culture trip turin

The 13 best experiences in Turin, Italy

Nov 18, 2023 • 9 min read

Here are some of the best things to do in Turin, Italy's fourth largest city © Iuliia Pilipeichenko / Getty Images

Italy’s fourth-largest city,  Turin , is the essence of la dolce vita.

Not in the full-throttle, scooter-screeching style of the hot south, but with a composed dignity befitting of an elegant northern city shaped by the noble House of Savoy and politically explosive unification movement. This was the country’s first capital in the 1860s and is the capital of Piedmont today.

Turin’s refined vibe might feel more français than italiano, but delve into this handsome metropolis stitched from porticoed streets and palazzo-laced squares, and you’ll quickly find a compelling city screaming "Made in Italy."

Explore niche, top-drawer museums (football, cars, chocolate and coffee) and avant-garde galleries bursting with powerful art. Promenade through extraordinary royal palazzi (palaces) and gardens.

Linger over Slow Food and wine in chandelier-lit cafes and centurion osterie . And at every turn, with every morsel, feel the creative pulse of a go-getting city driven by an epic artistic, cultural, historic and epicurean heritage.

Outdoor adventurers and those seeking a green escape might not find a real buzz here. But for anyone looking for a weekend of urban Italianate living – with a provocative dash of creativity and curiosity, by day or by night – Turin hits the sweet spot any time of year. Here are the best things to do when you get there.

1. Spend a day museum-hopping

Few Italian cities sport such a varied portfolio of museums – there really is one   to suit every taste and interest. Turin’s blockbuster Museo Egizio is among the world’s best when it comes to anthropomorphic coffins, animal mummies and other priceless artifacts from Ancient Egypt.

The Museo Nazionale del Risorgimento Italiano suits anyone interested in modern Italian history, while car buffs and families rave about Turin’s superlative Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile .

This being Italy, art and design lovers are well served: Palazzo Reale displays the personal art collection of the Savoy monarchy, and the sensational Pinateco Giovanni e Marella Agnelli showcases masterpieces acquired by the late Fiat head Gianni Agnelli.

Galleria Civica d’Arte e Contemporanea is the place to go for 19th- and 20th-century Italian and European art, and Fondazione Merz , Fondazione Sandretto re Rebaudengo and Museo Ettore Fico for influential contemporary art.

Detour: Head to out-of-town Castello du Rivoli for works borne out of Italy’s city-spawned Arte Povera movement in the 1960s and 1970s.

2. Perfect the Turinese art of aperitivi

The early-evening aperitivo (aperitif) crawl is a golden opportunity to taste exceptional wine from Piedmont and sample savory delicacies such as acciughe al verde (anchovies in pea-green, garlic-parsley sauce) or carne cruda al’Albese (raw beef) while  finding yourself in neighborhoods you might not otherwise frequent.

Favorite addresses to hobnob with locals over well-mixed cocktails, Campari or Aperol spritz, and generous snack buffets – ranging from complimentary to €15 with one drink – include historical Bar Cavour , Farmacia Del Cambo in an 1830s pharmacy, and fashionable bookshop-cafe-bar Bardotto .

3. Explore cinematic Turin

A visit to the superlative Museo Nazionale del Cinema – a firm family favorite – is not just about watching silent movies, overdosing on looping virtual-reality films and learning about Turin’s fascinating movie-making heritage.

As engaging as the evocative and well-curated exhibits is the museum building: the eclectic, spire-capped tower of Mole Antonelliana was conceived and designed as a synagogue in 1863, yet only ever used as a museum. Scaling its dome to ogle at the panorama atop the 167.5m-tall (550ft-tall) tower is a rite of passage.

4. Share the city’s love affair with chocolate

Cioccolato (chocolate) is this city’s lifeblood, and family-run chocolate makers have been hard at work in Turin for centuries – there is no point resisting.

Bicerin , the city’s signature cream-topped chocolate-coffee hot drink, has been a reason to flock to elegant Caffè Al Bicerin since 1763. Turin’s favorite contemporary chocolatier, Guido Gobino , is loved for tiny, tile-like ganache chocolates flavored with vermouth or Barolo wine perhaps, and his classic gianduiotto (triangular chocolates made from gianduja – Turin's hazelnut paste).

Planning tip:  Don’t miss Turin’s 10-day chocolate festival in November.

5. Live the good life on Piazza Castello

Nowhere does the heady pulse of la dolce vita make itself felt as fiercely as on Piazza Castello , the city’s central square and heart of Savoy from the 16th to 18th centuries.

Framed on all sides by grandiose buildings cocooning palace museums, cafes, and the city’s opera house, the square is a hub of cultural life and the epitome of Turin elegance.

Admire its majestic porticoes (Turin boasts an extraordinary 18km/11 miles of porticoes), built under Vittorio Emanuele I in the 18th century so the royal family could promenade between palace and river in comfort and relative privacy.

6. Unearth Slow Food at the Terre Madre festival

As the capital of the region where Italy’s Slow Food movement was born, it’s natural that Turin should host one of the world’s largest food and wine fairs: Slow Food’s biennial Terre Madre , next up in September 2024, and subsequent even-numbered years.

One-day passes unlock a banquet of fascinating epicurean encounters, from artisan tastings with Turinese and Piemontese producers and chefs to culinary workshops and meetings with global food activists and sustainable farmers.

Detour:  The venue is a sight in itself: Parco Dora was an industrial wasteland (home to steelworks and a Michelin tire factory until the 1980s), regenerated in the new millennium as a vast open-air art installation, green meadow park, marketplace and festival ground.

7. Tap into Turin’s art and music scene

It's no surprise that Turin is part of UNESCO's Creative Cities Network: deep-dive into the city’s pivotal contemporary art scene at Officine Grandi Riparazioni . The experimental cultural and innovation hub resides in a regenerated train depot, constructed in red brick between 1885 and 1895 near Porta Susa and Porta Nuova train stations.

Catching the latest public art installation, seasonal exhibition, live gig or other cultural happening is as much an opportunity to ogle at the industrial architecture of the gargantuan U-shaped space as it is to tap into contemporary Turin’s explosive visual and performing arts scene.

Fascinating 3D tours transport visitors around the original 19th-century repair workshops, and several cafes and restaurants are ready to stave off your hunger and/or cocktail pangs.

Clubbers, you’re in the right place. Turin generates some of Italy’s best dance music, with clubs and live-music bars in industrial and residential neighborhoods such as Vanchiglia, San Salvario, Dora and Lingotto pounding well into the early hours.

Planning tip:  Going strong for 20-odd years, Lingotto’s C2C Festival remains one of Europe’s top avant-pop music festivals.

8. Enjoy views and a cocktail in Italy’s highest bar

Dizzying views of the city and its Alpine amphitheater laid out around your feet unfold from the 37th floor of the city’s lofty Intesa Sanpaolo skyscraper – a striking, glass-and-steel work of contemporary architecture, designed by celebrity Italian architect Renzo Piano as the headquarters of the Intesa Sanpaolo banking group.

Its crowning glory is the futuristic rooftop where skilled mixologists behind the bar at Piano35 shake a sassy spin on Italian classics. Order a signature Bicerin cocktail (mixing sweet Mancino vermouth with coffee liqueur, sherry and milk) or Spritz No More (vodka, elderflower liqueur, sake and chili pepper).

9. See how Savoy kings lived at a flurry of royal residences

Turin has six royal residences in the city center alone, all with lavish interiors, priceless artworks and tapestries, and occasional museum collections.

Find medieval-to-modern decorative arts in Palazzo Madama ; a top-drawer history museum exploring the city’s role in the Risorgimento (Italian Unification) at Palazzo Carignano; and dazzling Greek and Roman archaeological treasures in Palazzo Reale .

If time is limited at the latter, aim straight for the Savoy’s personal art collection in the Royal Palace’s Galleria Sabauda. If time is endless, linger over afternoon tea on the stone-balustrade terrace of the palace’s romantic Caffè degli Argenti – views of lush green lawns and the Alps beyond are beautiful.

10. Shop vintage and design in the Quadrilatero Romano

While the city’s elegant porticoes on the main street of Via Roma squirrel away chic boutiques of all the big fashion houses, Quadrilatero Romano is the neighborhood for upmarket vintage and fashionable pieces by young designers. Make your shopping spree memorable by booking a lunch table well in advance at Consorzio .

Bargain hunters can follow urbanites on weekends to Balon , a sprawling and mesmerizingly raucous flea market north of Porta Palazzo since 1857. More specialized antique and vintage dealers move in on the second Sunday of the month at the Gran Balon market.

11. Taste Vermouth in hipster San Salvario

Savoring Turin’s homegrown Vermouth di Torino – aromatized fortified wine infused with 30-odd botanicals – has been a tradition since 1786 when it was first distilled by Antonio Benedetto Carpano for the royal court. The tourist office offers organized tastings (€18) in selected city bars.

Or opt for homegrown vermouth on the rocks or in a cocktail at funky music bar Lanificio San Salvatore in hipster San Salvario. Its Torino Milano Via Novara cocktail mixing Vermouth di Torino with Campari, Cynar (a bitter aperitif blending 13 herbs and plants, including artichoke), chocolate and rock salt is akin to drinking Turin in a glass.

12. Track down street art with a purpose

Meander off the beaten tourist track into the northern working-class suburb of Barriera di Milano to uncover old warehouses covered in graffiti, public baths rejuvenated as community centers and 13 pavement-to-sky, black-and-white wall murals by Italian street artist Millo (from Puglia in southern Italy); start your Millo tour on Piazza Bottesini.

When you're done, take a DIY walking tour of the city’s Murales Lavazza , 17 striking wall murals illustrating global goals for sustainable development in 2030 by international artists. Murals range from No Poverty (Lungo Po Antonelli 15) featuring Florentine street artist Zed1’s comic egg-headed humans to Good Health by Venezuelan-Italian Gomez (Via Berthollet 6) and Gender Equality (Corso Belgio 9) by Rome-based Camilla Falsini.

13. Walk around Fiat’s rooftop e-track

Turin is synonymous with Fiat cars. Its 1920s factory in industrial Lingotto was Europe’s largest, and walking around the rooftop track where cars were tested until 1982 (when the iconic factory closed) is exhilarating. To get a feel for the historic track, watch the 1969 classic movie The Italian Job .

New-gen electric Fiats spin around the 1km-long (0.6-mile) loop today. In 2021, the surrounding rooftop was planted with 40,000 indigenous trees, shrubs and wildflowers to create a public garden –  La Pista 500 .

Yoga, fitness and meditation areas shaded with hazelnut trees and giant sunflowers inject a contemplative zen into the green public space. Views of the city and surrounding Alps are naturally magnificent.

This article was first published Apr 27, 2022 and updated Nov 18, 2023.

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36 Hours in Turin, Italy

By Seth Sherwood Updated Feb. 1, 2024

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With the Alps as a background, Turin, Italy’s fourth-largest city, is elegant, photogenic and rich with history. Grand squares and former royal palaces abound in this northern Italian crossroads, nicknamed Little Paris, which was briefly Italy’s first capital after the country’s unification in 1861. And despite housing one of Christianity’s most solemn relics — a shroud believed by some to be the burial cloth of Jesus — the city is awash in earthly pleasures. Both gianduja chocolate and vermouth were invented there, and can be sampled among the historic coffeehouses, chocolate shops and aperitivo bars that line the city’s arcaded shopping boulevards. And especially important in the winter, an ever-expanding buffet of galleries and museums — including one of the world’s largest collections of Egyptian antiquities , a museum of fake fruit and a new contemporary art hub on a rooftop racetrack — offer respite from the cold and food for the spirit.

Recommendations

• Gallerie d’Italia , a museum that opened in 2022 in a renovated Baroque palazzo, has a collection ranging from medieval panel paintings to contemporary video art.
• Magazzino 52 offers contemporary takes on Piedmontese cuisine — like a silky veal tartare — and a wine list featuring hundreds of bottles, along with by-the-glass options.
• Caffè Fiorio , a former haunt of Friedrich Nietzsche, serves excellent hot chocolate in plush rooms of chandeliers and gilded mirrors.
• La Pista 500 , an oval walkway that was once a rooftop test track for a Fiat factory, offers plants, art installations and Alpine vistas.
• Piazza San Giovanni , a public square, is adjacent to several historic sites, including Roman ruins, a royal collection of art at Galleria Sabauda and the cathedral housing the Shroud of Turin.
• Monte dei Cappuccini , a hill with a Baroque church on top, offers photo-perfect views of the cityscape and Alps.
• Scannabue serves classic Piedmontese comfort food, like tajarin, a local type of pasta, and wines in a homey, lively environment.
• Fondoo specializes in, yes, fondue (and raclette) in a Scandinavian-minimalist room.
• Pasticceria Ghigo dal 1870 , an old-fashioned pastry shop, pours thick hot chocolate to drink at the counter.
• Isola is a bar that displays shelves of vinyl albums and bottles of natural wines, all of which are for sale to enjoy on site or at home.
• La Cuite is a cozy bar in which to try regional wines next to a wood-burning fireplace.
• Nikkei , a bar half hidden at the back of Azotea restaurant, serves some of the city’s finest cocktails.
• Mercato di Porta Palazzo , an amalgam of markets in Piazza della Repubblica, is a lively, fun spot to pick up produce, inexpensive clothing, Italian delicacies, street food and more.
• Il Balon , near the Mercato di Porta Palazzo, is an outdoor market known for its vintage treasures, from military surplus to cinema seats.
• Danpol is a contemporary store with elegant, mostly Italian-made clothing.
• San Carlo dal 1973 seeks out edgy and avant-garde designers of women’s wear and accessories.
• Agora Boutique Stays , a newcomer from last year, offers nine stylish, individually designed apartments on the atrium-like ground floor of a 17th-century palazzo next to Piazza San Carlo. Apartments in February start at 185 euros, or about $200.
• Hotel Victoria , also in the center, has an old-world British feel — pale hues, floral-print fabrics, antique knickknacks — and offers two cozy winter amenities: a lobby fireplace and a spa with a sauna and a heated swimming pool. Rooms in February start at €161.
• Combo is a hostel in a former firehouse. The soaring industrial-chic lobby contains a coffee shop, a cocktail bar and a concert stage, while the mixed private and dorm-style rooms convey a minimalist Zen aesthetic. Private rooms in February start at around €53.
• For short-term rentals , the Centro, or city center, is your most practical base for historical sites, museums, cafes and shopping. Nearby, to the east, the classy Vanchiglia residential district runs alongside the Po River and offers refined dining and drinking options. Historically working-class San Salvario, south of the center and close to the main train station, is now filled with trattorias, wine bars, cocktail bars and coffee shops.
• The central neighborhoods, clustered together, are easily walkable. The southern districts like San Salvario and Lingotto are along the city’s lone metro line, which only skirts the periphery of the central historic and commercial areas, making it somewhat impractical. Buses and trams connect much of the city, while taxis can be hired at designated stands or via the app Freenow .

The Chocolate Lover’s Guide

Indulge for a moment or two by learning more about this most delectable treat..

You may have heard about chocolate’s potential health benefits. But is it really good for you ?

A recent report found high concentrations of cadmium and lead in dark chocolate. There’s no reason to panic, experts say — but it’s worth a closer look .

What is it like to work with chocolate? A chocolate maker in California spoke of his fascination with cacao beans and the tastes he looks for in his products .

Convenience is only one reason to love chocolate chips. They also hold their shape better than bars and deliver more flavor in baked goods, Genevieve Ko writes .

Hungry yet? Try these make-ahead desserts , an unfussy mousse  or one of our most popular chocolate recipes .

Not in the mood for baking? Wirecutter has selected for you the best boxed chocolates .

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Torino continues to be a centre of European and international culture. A wide array of styles, forms and languages disclose the city of monuments, royal palaces, churches, spirituality, events, music, galleries, cinema and literature... From the Royal Palace to the Church of Consolata, the Regio Teathre and the National Museum of Cinema, the cultural itineraries are countless, and never predictable. And there's an infinite choice of attractions outside the city as well: in Rivoli Castle whose Baroque rooms host the Museum of Contemporary Art; in Canavese where the castles of Agliè and Masino are gems of post-Renaissance architecture surrounded by beautiful gardens; in the Susa and Chisone Valleys where there are the ancient fortresses of Fenestrelle and Exilles that barred the way to the Alpine passes. Alternatively there is a very special itinerary taking in abbeys, monasteries and sacred mounts: starting with the Basilica of Superga, on Turin's hills, and the Saint Michael's Abbey at the mouth of the Susa Valley, some of Piedmont's symbols recognised all over the world.

The most visited museums

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52 Super Exciting Things to Do in Turin, Italy’s Gem

I have a special place in my heart for underrated cities, and after uncovering dozens of the best things to do in Turin, Italy, I can safely say that it is indeed underrated.

I’ll start by telling you that it was the capital city of the Duchy of Savoy, the Kingdom of Sardinia, and the unified Kingdom of Italy, so it’s home to a whole lot of centuries-old royal residences of the House of Savoy that were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It’s also the birthplace of the aperitivo tradition and brands like Lavazza and Fiat, and it’s a paradise for chocoholics, foodies who want to try delicious Piedmontese food, Baroque architecture fans, and museum lovers of all ages and interests. Let’s dive in deeper!

* This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission (for more info, read my disclosure ). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

* I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.

*As a partner of the Get Your Guide affiliate program, I got a 15% discount when I purchased my Torino+Piemonte Card . That said, I always share my honest opinions.

Still haven’t booked your Turin accommodation? Check out the highly-rated: 1. Emozione Torino (where I stayed – it’s a lovely apartment in the historic center) 2. Q71 Timeless Suites (in the heart of the historic center) 3. Corte Realdi Luxury Rooms Torino (overlooking the Royal Palace)

My favorite carb in Turin: With all due respect to the savory dishes I had, I will never forget the pastries of Farmacia del Cambio.

Table of Contents

How to Save Money on Attractions in Turin: Torino+Piemonte Card

Unless they’re really worth it, I’m not in a hurry to buy city passes.

But in Turin, a city with lots of must-see palaces and museums where each one costs 10-18 euros to visit , you’ll benefit from purchasing the Torino+Piemonte Card that lets you tour almost all of them for FREE .

Whether you’re buying the 1,2,3, or 5-day city card ( €29/ €38/€44/€49), you’ll surely return the initial investment (the 5-day card saved me A LOT of money). Note that the 1-day card only offers free entrance to 3 sites.

Just by visiting the Palazzo Reale, Egyptian Museum, and National Museum of Cinema (the top 3 tourist attractions in Turin’s historic center), the 2-day card already saves you money.

Visit only one more site (like the Palazzo Madama, Lavazza Museum, or National Automobile Museum), and the 3-day card will also be worth it (the 3-day Torino+Piemonte card can easily save you 20-30 euros) .

It also includes free entrance to landmarks in the entire region of Piedmont , so if you’re taking day trips (such as to the Palace of Venaria, which can cost up to 20 euros to visit) or maybe a road trip, it could be very useful.

See the full list of discounts here and buy your Torino+Piemonte Card here (you can easily pick it up at the information center at Piazza Castello).

Alternatively, you can purchase the Royal Pass (€30) , valid for 4 days and offering FREE entrance solely to the palaces and castles of the House of Savoy in Turin and Piedmont (and the Basilica of Superga), as well as discounts on a few museums and public transport.

Best Things to Do in Turin, Italy: Walking Tours

Free walking tour of turin.

Free walking tours are always a great budget-friendly way to explore a city with a guide, and you’ll find one even in Turin.

You’ll obviously only get a taste of what it has to offer, but it’s always an excellent activity to add to your itinerary.  Check out this free walking of Turin and book it here.

Unique Tours in Turin

If you love taking alternative tours, consider taking this highly-rated:

• Evening tour that uncovers Turin’s mysterious side
• Chocolate tour
• Wine-tasting experience
• Underground tour .

Best Things to See in Turin, Italy: Palaces, Museums, and Religious Sites

Musei reali.

Every self-respecting list of the top things to see in Turin starts with the Musei Reali (Royal Museums), a group of sites that will take you through different eras in the city’s history.

Five of them are included in the same ticket ( free to visit with the Torino+Piemonte Card or Royal Pass ) and connected by one route, and you can visit the other two separately.

Be sure to also wander through the lovely Giardini Reali (Royal Gardens), which are free to visit.

Note that you cannot use your camera flash or a tripod when taking photos, and you need to contact the museums if you want to use them for non-personal purposes. I contacted them via Instagram ( museirealitorino ), and they replied right away.

1. Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace)

Dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, the Palazzo Reale is the first and most significant of the royal residences of the House of Savoy in the region of Piedmont. The dynasty ruled Turin for centuries, and this was its power center.

That’s why Palazzo Reale, along with other palaces, castles, and villas in the city and around it, was recognized as a UNESCO site called Residences of the Royal House of Savoy.

While you’ll only get to see some of the palace’s rooms, it’ll be enough to give you a sense of historical importance, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy the mix of Neoclassical and Baroque architectural styles, which is mesmerizing.

You can also book a guided tour of the palace .

2. Royal Armory (Armeria Reale)

Even though it’s not as famous as the Imperial Armory of Vienna or the Royal Armory of Madrid, Turin’s Armeria Reale is considered one of the world’s most important collections of royal weapons and armor.

Founded by the House of Savoy, some of its items are now displayed to the public and housed in an impressive hall with a beautifully painted ceiling.

3. Galleria Sabauda

Boasting a collection of paintings the House of Savoy has acquired over the centuries, the Galleria Sabauda is a paradise for avid art lovers, featuring works by Rembrandt, Botticelli, and many other painters.

4. Museo DI Antichita (Museum of Antiquities)

Going back much further in time, the Museum of Antiquities will transport you to ancient history (and even prehistory) through its three sections. 

The first one is dedicated to archeology in the Piedmont region, the second showcases the history of Turin (and overlooks the remains of a Roman theatre), and the last one depicts antiquities from outside of Italy.

5. Cappella Della Sacra Sindone (Chapel of the Holy Shroud)

Dating back to the 17th century and designed by the architect Guarino Guarini, this Italian-Baroque-style chapel is one of the most religiously significant places in Turin.

Not only is it known for its marvelous dome but also for housing for several centuries the Shroud of Turin (Sindone di Torino), an old linen cloth many believe is the burial garment of Jesus.

6. Biblioteca Reale (Royal Library) & Sale Chiablese (Chiablese Hall)

Beyond the five sites I’ve mentioned, you can access the Royal Library’s reading room for free or visit the Chiablese Hall (a part of the Chiablese Palace), which is open to the public when it hosts temporary exhibitions.

7. Opening Hours and Tickets

Opening hours:  Tuesday – Sunday 9 AM to 7 PM (the ticket office closes at 6 PM).

Price:  €15 (only €2 if you’re 18-25 years old). Free admission for disabled people, kids/teenagers under 18, or holders of the Torino+Piemonte Card or Royal Pass .

You don’t have to reserve your spot in advance, but you can do it  here . Be sure to select the right type of admission (you’ll even see one suitable for the Torino+Piemonte Card).

Duomo DI Torino (Cattedrale DI San Giovanni Battista)

How can one visit an Italian city without seeing its Duomo ?

The Duomo di Torino (Turin Cathedral or Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist) is a 15th-century cathedral located right next to the Chapel of the Holy Shroud. Today, it is here where the Shroud of Turin is kept.

The cathedral is also the burial place of some members of the House of Savoy and the seat of the Archbishops of Turin, so it’s easy to understand why it’s such an important landmark.

Mole Antonelliana (National Museum of Cinema)

Sightseeing in Turin has to include the number one building that stands out (literally) in the city’s skyline and appears on every postcard – the Mole Antonelliana.

Surprisingly, it was built to serve as a synagogue (love that fact!), but the Jewish community rejected it when the project got too expensive and architecturally unsuitable.

Today, the Mole is one of Turin’s biggest symbols, and it houses the National Cinema Museum (Museo Nazionale del Cinema), which is the world’s tallest museum!

The museum is extremely well-thought-out and impressive, taking you on a journey from the first lenses to the biggest blockbusters, but I recommend avoiding visiting it on weekends (if possible) as it can get a bit too crowded and claustrophobic.

You can also take the panoramic lift (which passes through the main space of the museum) to get to the top of the building and enjoy the views over the city.

Opening hours:  Wednesday – Monday, 9 AM – 7 PM (the ticket office closes at 6 PM).

Price:  Museum – €12, lift – €9, combo ticket – €17 (free admission to visit the museum and discount to take the panoramic lift with the Torino+Piemonte Card or discounted entrance with the Royal Pass ).

I highly recommend booking your tickets in advance  to avoid the  LONG  lines, especially since you might not be able to take the lift because daily visits are  limited .

Purchase them here and be sure to select the right type of admission (you’ll even see the ones suitable for the Torino+Piemonte Card and Royal Pass).

You can also book a guided tour of the museum.

Palazzo Madama

Located in the central Piazza Castello near Palazzo Reale, Palazzo Madama is a Baroque masterpiece and one of Turin’s Unesco-listed Savoy residences.

The building was the first Senate of the Kingdom of Italy, and today, it houses the Turin City Museum of Ancient Art.

Apart from visiting the museum, be sure to check out the palace’s rear part, which looks like a medieval castle.

Opening hours:  Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 10 AM – 6 PM, Thursday 1 PM – 9 PM (the ticket office closes one hour before closing time).

Price:  €10 (free admission with the Torino+Piemonte Card or Royal Pass ).

Villa Della Regina

An unmissable site in Turin and another one of its UNESCO-listed royal residences is Villa della Regina.

Used by the House of Savoy in the 17th-19th centuries, this villa is not just about luxurious rooms but also beautiful surroundings with gardens, pavilions, fountains, and even vineyards that give it a fairytale-like look.

You’ll also be rewarded with scenic views of the city and the Alpes behind it, so though you’ll have to make an effort to cross the Po River and go all the way up the hill to visit it, it’ll be worth it.

Opening hours:  Tuesday – Sunday, 10 AM – 5 PM (the ticket office closes at 4 PM).

Price:  €7 to see the villa and the park (free to visit with the Torino+Piemonte Card or Royal Pass ).

Egyptian Museum (Museo Egizio)

It’s not for nothing that the Egyptian Museum is one of Turin’s most visited museums.

Boasting the world’s second-largest collection of Egyptian antiquities (the largest is in Cairo), it’s also the oldest museum dedicated to Egyptian culture in the world.

Now, I’m not gonna lie – some exhibits can be a bit unpleasant to see (like actual mummies), but others are very impressive. From tiny figurines to papyrus to huge statues of the sphinx and Egyptian kings – these are not things you get to see every day.

Opening hours:  Tuesday – Sunday 9 AM – 6:30 PM, Monday 9 AM – 2 AM (last admission one hour before closing time).

Price:  €18 (free to visit with the Torino+Piemonte Card or discounted entrance with the Royal Pass ).

At the moment, it is mandatory to book your ticket online  and pick a specific time slot for your visit. Be sure to select the right type of admission (you’ll even see the ones suitable for the Torino+Piemonte Card and Royal Pass).  Purchase them here.

You can also book a guided tour of the museum .

For your convenience, there is also a cloakroom where you can keep your backpack, coat, etc.

Palazzo Carignano

The 17th-century Palazzo Carignano is one of Turin’s UNESCO-listed royal residences, once the home of the princes of the House   of Savoy-Carignano and the seat of the first Parliament of the Kingdom of Italy.

Located in the lovely and lively Piazza Carignano on Via Accademia delle Scienze, it’s also one of the most gorgeous Baroque buildings in the city and a fantastic photo spot.

I haven’t visited it on the inside, but it is possible to take a guided tour to see the Apartments of the Princes (Appartamenti dei Principi).

The visit is free if you have the Torino+Piemonte Card or Royal Pass , but  be sure to read all the details here  as a reservation is required.

Museum of the Risorgimento

The rear part of Palazzo Carignano does not only have a completely different facade (overlooking Piazza Carlo Alberto), but it also houses the National Museum of the Italian Risorgimento.

While the term Risorgimento refers to the unification of Italy in the 19th century, the museum is dedicated to the country’s history from the siege of Turin (1706) to the birth of the Italian Republic (1946).

Opening hours:  Tuesday – Sunday, 10 AM – 6 PM (the ticket office closes at 5 PM).

Price:  €10 (free to visit with the Torino+Piemonte Card ).

Villa Tesoriera

In the heart of a public park away from the city center lies the 18th-century Baroque-style Villa Tesoriera (also known as Villa Sartirana).

It had many noble owners throughout the years and is now home to a non-profit organization.

The park and the villa’s gardens are open to the public (the library is also supposed to be), so if you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path photo spot in Turin, this place is for you.

Castello Del Valentino

Located in Valentino Park, another UNESCO-listed Savoy residence you need to see is Castello del Valentino, which dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries.

The stunning Alpine-inspired castle owes its current look to Christine of France, the wife of Victor Amadeus I (Duke of Savoy), who wanted to use it for pleasure purposes.

Today, it belongs to the Architecture faculty of the Polytechnic University of Turin, and some parts of its garden are home to the Botanical Garden of the University of Turin, which you can also visit (from April to October).

Note that: Touring the castle itself is only possible at specific times on Saturdays (and you need to reserve your spot in advance).  Get more details here.

Reggia DI Venaria Reale

With a picture-perfect Alpine backdrop, gorgeous Baroque architecture, and history tracing back to the 17th century, the Reggia di Venaria Reale is a Savoy residence you don’t want to miss (located in the nearby town of Venaria, a northern Italian hidden gem ).

Commissioned by Duke Carlo Emanuele II of Savoy, the palace was built to serve as a base for his hunting trips in the area. It was damaged and renovated throughout the years until it finally opened as a museum in 2007.

On your visit, you’ll get to see the jaw-dropping Great Gallery, the Chapel of Sant’Uberto, the scenic gardens, and so much more. You’ll also find  two cafes and even a Michelin-star restaurant in the palace’s complex .

The town itself is also pretty enchanting (at least the street leading from the bus station to the palace is).

After your visit, head to the restaurant Antica Reggia for a fantastic Italian meal (the risotto with asparagus and burrata was seriously delicious).

Getting there:  Take bus number 11 from Turin (leaves about every 10 minutes and has a circular route) and get off in front of the small train station Stazione di Venaria Reale. From there, it’s a 5-minute walk to the palace’s entrance. Alternatively, take the shuttle bus  Venaria Express .

Opening hours:  See  here  (closed on Mondays).

Price:  €20 to see the palace and the gardens (this ticket is called “All in a Palace” – it’s free if you have the Torino+Piemonte Card or Royal Pass ), but other types of tickets are also available.

It’s recommended to book your tickets online  and pick a specific timeslot for your visit ( purchase them here ). Be sure to select the right type of admission (you’ll even see the ones suitable for the Torino+Piemonte Card and Royal Pass).

Castello Della Mandria

Although it’s located only 2.5 km (about 1.55 miles) from the Reggia di Venaria Reale and is reachable by the shuttle bus  Venaria Express , I did not get to visit the Castle of La Mandria.

It is yet another UNESCO-listed Savoy residence (dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries), but one of its biggest highlights seems to be the vast park surrounding it.

Price:  €8 to visit the castle or €20 for a castle & Reggia combo ticket (free to visit with the Torino+Piemonte Card or Royal Pass ).

National Automobile Museum

It doesn’t matter how old you are or whether you’re a car fanatic or not, you’re going to love the National Automobile Museum (Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile), one of the top tourist attractions in Turin and a great place to visit with kids.

From 19th-century carriages to futuristic cars, you’ll be in awe of this museum’s collection, featuring vehicles by brands from Italy, France, the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Poland, and the US.

Opening hours:  Monday 10 AM – 2 PM, Tuesday – Sunday 10 AM – 7 PM (the ticket office closes one hour before closing time).

Price:  €15 (free to visit with the Torino+Piemonte Card ).

Centro Storico Fiat

Did you know that the name Fiat initially stood for Fabbrica Italiana Automobili di Torino (Italian Automobiles Factory of Turin)?

Well, it’s true – the largest car manufacturer in Italy was born in this city and opened its first factory here.

Unfortunately, the brand’s museum – Centro Storico Fiat – is currently closed, but I would have loved to see its most legendary creations (beyond what is found at the National Automobile Museum).  Read more about it here.

Lavazza Museum

We’re so used to hearing the name ‘Lavazza’ that we might take it for granted, but this coffee empire, which was born in Turin, is a force to be reckoned with.

The interactive museum is dedicated to the company’s history and the coffee production process, and as you walk from room to room, you can see how much thought was put into it.

I’m not going to give anything away because it is full of fun surprises (even a tasty one), but I’ll say that people of all ages will enjoy it.

Opening hours:  Wednesday – Sunday, 10 AM – 6 PM (the ticket office closes at 5:30 PM).

Accorsi-Ometto Museum

As if there weren’t enough palaces in Turin, the Accorsi–Ometto Museum is a private decorative arts museum that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into yet another one.

With more than 3000 pieces of furniture, ceramics, paintings, and much more, almost half of the museum’s rooms look like they belong in a centuries-old European villa.

I actually wasn’t sure about this museum at first, but I could admit that it was well worth the visit.

Note that you cannot use flash or a tripod when taking photos, and you need to contact the museum if you want to use them for non-personal purposes.

Opening hours:  See  here .

Price:  €12 (free to visit with the Torino+Piemonte Card ).

Chiesa Della Gran Madre DI Dio

The 19th-century Church of Gran Madre di Dio proudly sits on the banks of the Po River, overlooking the Vittorio Emanuele I Bridge and Piazza Vittorio Veneto.

Built to celebrate the defeat of the Napoleonic empire and the return of the House of Savoy from exile, any Turin itinerary should include it, especially because you must admire its beautiful Pantheon-inspired look.

Museum of Eastern Art

If you were intrigued by the Egyptian Museum, you might also like the Museum of Eastern Art (or Museum of Oriental Art/MAO).

Not only is it housed in a 17th-century palace but also boasts a collection of Asian art considered one of the best in Italy.

Opening hours:  Tuesday – Sunday 10 AM – 6 PM (the ticket office closes one hour before closing time).

Palazzina DI Caccia DI Stupinigi

Planning my Turin itinerary felt like doing a puzzle, and the Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi (The Hunting Lodge of Stupinigi) had a spot on the last day.

It’s situated about 12 km (7.5 miles) from Turin’s center, but because it was snowing so heavily that day, I decided to stay in the city.

I’m regretting it as I’m writing this post because the Palazzina is one of the Savoy residences I was really eager to visit (I just couldn’t get enough of these palaces).

Dating back to the 18th century, the House of Savoy used this complex for leisure purposes, and it was even Napoleon’s residence for a little while.

I was hooked just by looking at photos of its front facade, gardens, and Italian-Rococo-style interiors, so do it for me and don’t skip out on this landmark.

Opening hours:  Tuesday – Friday 10 AM – 5:30 PM, Saturday – Sunday 10 AM – 6:30 PM (the ticket office closes half an hour before closing time). The palace is reachable by public transportation.

Price:  €12 (free to visit with the Torino+Piemonte Card or Royal Pass , and you’ll have to purchase your ticket at the ticket office). Reservations are only mandatory for groups.

Juventus Museum

European football fanatics – this one is for you.

To me, nothing compares to going to an actual football game because the energy is electrifying, but visiting a team’s museum is also a fun experience since you still get to see the stadium yet also learn about its heritage.

Juventus is a force to be reckoned with, being the most successful team in Italy (and one of the best in Europe), so visiting its museum is a must when taking a trip to Turin.

Monte Dei Cappuccini

Any classic postcard of Turin shows the views over the city, along with the Mole Antonelliana building standing out, and chances are the photo was taken at the Monte dei Cappuccini hill on the eastern side of the Po River.

Besides taking in the scenery, you can also admire the 16th-century Church and Convent of Santa Maria del Monte (built for the Capuchin monks), but the views are definitely the highlight here.

Note that buses only take you so far, and you’ll have to continue the ascent to the top of the hill on foot, so bring comfortable shoes .

Basilica DI Superga

A place I would have visited if I had one more day in Turin is the Basilica of Superga, perched on a mountain only 9 km (5.6 miles) east of the city and designed by the architect Filippo Juvarra.

After winning the Battle of Turin, Victor Amadeus II of Savoy comissioned the Baroque complex at the beginning of the 18th century out of gratitude to the Virgin Mary.

The basilica is also the Savoy family’s burial place, so you can understand why it’s such a meaningful landmark.

With its Pantheon-like front facade, yellow exteriors, and decorated dome, it definitely looks impressive in pictures, so I know I have to go back to see it in real life.

Opening hours, prices, and ways to get there:  See  here  (free to visit with the Torino+Piemonte Card or Royal Pass ).

Synagogue of Turin

I am very proud of my Jewish heritage and always love seeing synagogues around the world, so apart from the fact that the Mole Antonelliana building was supposed to be one, I was also thrilled to know that there was a synagogue standing today in Turin.

Also known as the Israelite Temple, the Synagogue of Turin is a stunning 19th-century neo-Moorish-style synagogue, commissioned by the Jewish community after it rejected the Mole.

It really is an architectural gem in the city and a landmark that probably gets overlooked by most travelers, so go off the beaten track and see this hidden gem in Turin .

Civic Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art (Gam)

As the name suggests, this is a great museum for modern and contemporary art lovers. It hosts both permanent collections and temporary exhibitions, which you can  check out here .

Santuario Della Consolata

Santuario della Consolata (Church of the Virgin of the Consolation/Sanctuary of Mary the Consoler) has a history that traces back to the 10th century, though it was heavily remodeled in the 17th-19th centuries.

This church is one of the most religiously important buildings in Turin, and its impressive size and Baroque style are not to be missed. For a cup of coffee with a view, head to the historic Caffe al Bicerin that overlooks the basilica.

Gallerie D’Italia

Only open in Turin since 2022, Gallerie d’Italia already has three successful branches in Milan, Naples, and Vicenza .

In Turin, you’ll find it inside the Palazzo Turinetti di Pertengo, and it currently houses a Piedmontese Baroque collection (furniture, art, and more) and an Italian journalism photography collection.

Opening hours:  Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM, Wednesday 9:30 AM – 10:30 PM (last admission an hour and a half before closing time).

Other Museums to Visit

If you’re looking for even more museums (including quirky ones), you can also head to:

• Pinacoteca dell’Accademia Albertina di Belle Arti
• Pinacoteca Giovanni e Marella Agnelli
• CAMERA – Italian Center for Photography
• Museum of Criminal Anthropology
• Museum of Fruit
• MAU – Museum of Urban Art (a free open-air museum)

I also wanted to visit  Palazzo Barolo , which is considered one of the best-preserved Baroque nobility residences in Turin. But it only offers guided tours, which seem to be in Italian.

WHAT TO DO IN TURIN, ITALY: FOOD & DRINKS

Want to explore this side of Turin with a guide? Browse these food tours !

Embrace the Tradition of the Aperitivo

Italy wouldn’t be Italy without the aperitivo – a pre-meal drink meant to tickle your appetite. But did you know that this cultural ritual was born in Turin? Mindblowing, right?

It all started in 1786 when Antonio Benedetto Carpano invented the vermouth, the famous fortified aromatized wine, which soon became a highly popular pre-dinner drink amongst both royals and commoners.

The tradition has evolved over the years, and today, aperitivo in Turin usually includes a cocktail like Negroni (made of red vermouth, Campari, and gin), Martini, or Aperol Spritz, along with some bite-sized snacks, though some bars offer a full buffet table (this new custom is called apericena ).

As the capital city of the aperitivo, Turin is THE place to immerse yourself in this tradition, and you can do so literally everywhere. From neighborhood cafes to restaurants to high-end lounges, you can enjoy Italian happy hour in almost every venue.

Be sure to check out Bar Zucca, Caffè Rossini, and Carpe Diem, or go on your own aperitivo adventure in Turin.

Try Some Piedmontese Food

I hope you agree that Italian food is the best in the world and that trying local food is a huge part of getting to know the local culture.

Piedmont’s regional dishes will surely take your trip to another level, so here’s a taste of what you need to devour in Turin.

Agnolotti:  I don’t eat meat, so I couldn’t try these little pieces of filled pasta, but it’s one of the region’s most famous specialties.

Gnocchi al Castelmagno:  Gnocchi with a creamy white sauce made of Castelmagano, a Piedmontese hard cheese. It’s often topped with hazelnuts from the region and is the definition of joy.

Tajarin:  This local egg pasta has a unique texture thanks to the high amount of egg yolks it contains, and it is served with various types of sauces.

Risotto al Barolo:  Though you’ll also see lots of mushroom risottos on menus, this one is cooked with Barolo, a Piedmontese red wine.

You might also be surprised to know that  Grissini  breadsticks were invented in Turin centuries ago, and you’ll get them at the beginning of your meal, along with a piece of bread (both are, of course, not free).

To indulge in a hearty meal, my recommendations include restaurants such as Pastificio Defilippis, Poormanger (they serve the most amazing Italian-style stuffed potatoes), Piola da Cianci, and Trattoria AlleVolte.

Have a Bicerin at the City’s Historic Cafes

An extremely fun activity in Turin is to savor a cup of Bicerin, a local drink made of chocolate, coffee, and milk, invented by the historic Caffe al Bicerin (established in 1763).

It’s pretty addictive since it tastes like dark hot chocolate with a hint of coffee, and Caffe al Bicerin also offers to serve it alongside some traditional biscuits.

Note that the original one is quite pricey (but worth it for the experience), so you can also have it at any other cafe. Some historic ones you can’t miss are Baratti & Milano, Caffè Mulassano, and Caffè Fiorio.

Buy Gianduiotto at the Best Chocolate Shops

One of the best reasons to visit Turin is that the city and chocolate are practically synonymous.

It was the world’s first producer of solid chocolate, and it also introduced us to the heavenly combo of cocoa and hazelnuts.

Before Pietro Ferrero invented Nutella (which also happened in the region of Piedmont ), the original chocolate-hazelnut spread, Gianduja/Gianduia, was born in Turin at the beginning of the 19th century during Napoleon’s reign.

A few decades later, one of Turin’s biggest brands, Caffarel, invented the triangle-shaped chocolate-hazelnut little treat  gianduiotto . After trying it, I can say that the world is a better place because of it and that paradise does exist. No jokes.

But beyond Caffarel, you’ll find so many drool-worthy chocolate shops in Turin , so go on the sweetest shopping spree, and check out places like Stratta, Guido Castagna, Guido Gobino, Gustavo Pfatisch, and Peyrano.

You can also book this highly-rated chocolate tour.

Enjoy a Merenda Reale

Every weekend, some historic cafes in Turin offer you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the Savoy family’s royal ritual of Merenda Reale.

Similarly to British afternoon tea, you can enjoy the setting of these lovely venues, savor a cup of Bicerin, and sample Piedmontese chocolates and biscuits.

See the list of participating cafes and browse prices here .

Get Addicted to the City’s Pasticcerias

It’s hard to beat the smell of freshly baked goods, and thankfully, you’ll get to enjoy a whole lot of it in Turin, a city with an outrageous number of  pasticcerias  – Italian bakeries/pastry shops.

From bread to “simple” pastries like croissants to more intricate patisserie-style desserts, they sell it all.

Head to Pasticceria Venier, Pasticciotto, and Confetteria Pasticceria Guardia, though you’ll come across so many others.

Extra tip: Be sure to try some Piedmontese Baci di Dama (‘Lady’s Kisses’) cookies – they seem innocent but trust me, they will become your new obsession.

Explore Turin’s Cutest Cafes

Apart from old establishments, Turin is home to other cafes you’ll love, so here are a few of my own recommendations.

Farmacia del Cambio:  While Del Cambio is a well-known historic restaurant in Turin serving gourmet food, the adjacent Farmacia del Cambio is a 19th-century pharmacy turned into a modern cafe/bakery.

Be sure to try the Gianduiotto-style dessert, though it’s also known for its high-quality pastries (which I LOVED), especially the cube-shaped croissant.

DAF Èlite:  From elegant, one-bite-size Italian desserts to other sweet creations, this cafe/pasticceria is a must-try in Turin’s city center.

Caffetteria Croissanterie RETRO’:  If you’re staying in the neighborhood of Crocetta (as I did on one of my trips), you’ll love this cafe and its delicious filled croissants.

Caffetteria Vergnano Dal Tiepolo:  Located near Valentino Park, this adorable cafe/bistro has lovely decor, and it serves great coffee, as well as pastries, cakes, and full Italian meals.

Savor a Gelato

Just in case you need some more sugar in your body, Turin is also home to quite a few must-try  gelaterias , so treat yourself with the most exquisite gelato at Gelateria Dallatte, Gelateria La Romana, Gelateria Via Mazzini, and Alberto Marchetti.

Stuff Your Face at a Pizzeria/Focacceria

If you’re a dough lover like me, your taste buds are going to be happy. You see, I know it’s Italy, but I still wasn’t expecting to find so many eateries in Turin dedicated solely to pizza and focaccia.

Some are pretty tiny and only have a few tables and stools outside, but when you see the locals come and go, you know you’re at the right place.

A few of my own favorites are La Pinseria 1, Pizzeria L’Angolo Verde, and Focacceria Genovese Sant’Agostino, but you’ll find plenty of others scattered around the city.

Enjoy the Campagna Amica Markets

Dedicated to supporting Italian agriculture, the Campagna Amica Foundation operates farmers’ markets all across the country.

They are a big part of everyday life, so even if I’m not buying anything, I love seeing the local produce and the locals doing their market shopping. 

In the city center of Turin, you can visit the markets at Piazza Palazzo di Città (open every first Sunday of the month), Piazza Cavour (open every second Sunday of the month), Piazza Vittorio Veneto (open every third Sunday of the month), and Piazza Bodoni (open every fourth Sunday of the month).

The one I came across mainly focused on vegetables and cheeses, and the ones I bought were delicious.

Have a Meal at Eataly

Nowadays,  Eataly  is a well-known brand, but surprise, surprise – its first indoor marketplace & restaurant venue opened in Turin.

So after a visit to the nearby National Automobile Museum, head to Eataly Torino Lingotto, where you can buy high-quality Italian produce while also feasting on a market-inspired meal.

If you have more than just a couple of days in Turin, it’s definitely worth checking out.

If you’re looking for non touristy girls’ trip ideas in Europe , Turin can be an ideal choice!

Other Places to Visit in Turin, Italy

Gran balon & balon del sabato.

Who doesn’t love a good old flea market? Turin’s Balon del Sabato is extra special as it’s a historic one with more than 150 years of operation, taking place every Saturday from 7 AM to 6 PM.

Once a month, on the second Sunday, this event gets even more extensive and turns into the Gran Balon, a market that goes on for miles and boasts more than 300 stalls selling books, furniture, clothing, and much more.

You’ll find both Balon del Sabato and Gran Balon at Borgo Dora Street and its surroundings. They can get quite crowded, so be sure to watch your belongings.

Famous Piazzas of Turin

Maybe it’s the historic buildings surrounding them, the energy of the people passing by, or magical dust spread through the air – Italian  piazzas  (squares) always seem to be irresistibly enchanting.

Luckily, you’ll find plenty of them in Turin, so don’t skip out on beautiful spots like Piazza Castello, Piazza San Carlo (which houses the churches of San Carlo Borromeo and Santa Cristina), Piazza Vittorio Veneto, Piazza Carignano, Piazza Carlo Alberto, Piazza Carlo Emanuele II, and Piazza Statuto.

Palatine Gate

Also known as the Palatine Towers or Porta Palatina, the Palatine Gate is one of the world’s best-preserved Roman city gates.

Dating back to 1st-century BC when Turin was a settlement called  Augusta Taurinorum , it’s definitely a privilege to see it standing today.

Covered Arcades of Turin

If you’re looking for cool things to do in Turin, its city center is dotted with a few small yet architecturally mesmerizing covered arcades that are just a delight to explore.

All three of them – Galleria Subalpina, Galleria San Federico, and Galleria Umberto I – are a must-have on your itinerary (the first two are absolutely gorgeous), and a list of the best places to see in Turin is not complete without them.

Valentino Park

Turin’s most famous park (and Italy’s first public garden, dating back to the mid-19th century) surely deserves to be mentioned here.

Some parts of it are not as pretty as others, but it is still a great place for a morning stroll and is home to quite a few visit-worthy points of interest.

These include Castello del Valentino, the Botanical Garden of Turin’s University (which you can visit from April to October), Fontana dei 12 Mesi (Fountain of the 12 Months), the picturesque Giardino Roccioso (Rocky Garden), and the Medieval Village.

Other popular parks in Turin are Dora Park and Parco della Pellerina.

Medieval Village

Since it’s one of Valentino Park’s biggest highlights, I think the Medieval Village (Borgo Medievale) deserves its own section. Although it feels more touristy than authentic, it’s still a must-see in Turin (and a free one!).

Built almost 150 years ago, this replica of a 15th-century Piedmontese village is one of the most beautiful open-air museums you’ll ever visit. With its decorated houses, churches, and even a castle, this complex really does transport you to another world.

You’ll also find a few shops and a cafe there, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get to see some adorable squirrels running around.

PORTA PALAZZO MARKET & MERCADO CENTRALE

As if Turin isn’t amazing enough with all its inventions and the records it breaks, it’s also home to Europe’s largest outdoor market, Porta Palazzo, situated at Piazza della Repubblica and established in 1835.

You’ll find just about anything here, from clothing to flowers to vegetables to fresh pasta.

There are even a few covered markets, including Antica Tettoia dell’Orologio and Mercato Centrale (Central Market), so be sure to dedicate enough time to this area to fully enjoy it.

Opening hours:  See  here  (you need to translate the page).

Turin’s Cutest Shops

When going on a city break, I love finding unique concept shops. Whether they are beautifully decorated or sell unusual items (not too unusual), they always put a smile on my face.

If you also love these kinds of hidden gems, check out the stunning Floris House, a combo of a perfumery shop and a cafe/bar that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a magical little world.

Next, head to Melissa Torino, a mesmerizing herb store, and if you’re visiting Turin in winter , you’ll love the Christmas-themed Spazio Adisco, which was actually a charity shop.

Turin’s Famous Streets

There’s no shortage of beautiful streets in Turin, but some are absolute must-sees.

You’ll surely love Via Pietro Micca & Via Po with their lovely porticos, the shopping streets Via Roma & Via Garibaldi, and the charming Via Monferrato, though you can quickly discover others, especially in the Quadrilatero district.

Unique Gothic and Art Nouveau Buildings

With so many Baroque landmarks, it’s safe to say that Turin is a perfect city for architecture lovers. But it’s also home to some pretty photogenic Gothic and Art Nouveau buildings you might want to see on your trip.

If you’re looking for offbeat photo spots, head to Casa Fenoglio-Lafleur, Palazzo della Vittoria, and Villa Scott. Note that the villa is private property and a bit far from the city center. You can also check out this Art Nouveau walking tour .

Not as unique but still worth mentioning because of its name, the Fetta di Polenta (translating to ‘slice of polenta’) is a 19th-century Neoclassical building, located only a couple of minutes from the Mole Antonelliana.

Condominio 25 Verde

Not too far from Valentino Park, you’ll find an incredibly bizarre residential building called Condominio 25 Verde.

It looks like a weird mix of a forest, a treehouse, and a garden, and indeed, it is an eco-sustainable project referred to as a habitable forest.

Its odd shape interweaving with countless trees and shrubs is quite hypnotizing, and it’s really fascinating to see the result of such a creative project.

Day Trips From Turin

If after this entire list of the top things to do in Turin, you still have extra time for day trips beyond Venaria and Stupingi, there are a few nearby towns and cities I still need to visit (which seem easily reachable by public transport).

These include Moncalieri, Rivoli, Cuneo, Alessandria, Ivrea, and others. You can also take a half-day tour of the medieval abbey of Sacra di San Michele .

More Italy Travel Guides

Did you enjoy this Turin travel guide? Read more about Italy:

• Turin travel tips
• Best areas to stay in Turin
• Turin or Milan
• Aosta Valley road trip from Turin
• Northern Italy road trip
• Best places to visit in northern Italy in October
• Places to visit in Lombardy, Italy
• Best Italian road trips
• Road trips from Milan
• Quotes about Italy
• Gifts for Italy lovers
• Romantic novels set in Italy
• Visiting Italy in winter

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About Or Amir

Hey, I'm Or! I'm a passionate traveler with a severe coffee, chocolate, and pastry addiction (or any other carb for that matter). I'm always planning my next trip to Spain, Italy, or any other country in Europe, and my goal is to help you make the most of each destination.

4 thoughts on “52 Super Exciting Things to Do in Turin, Italy’s Gem”

Wow, I had no idea there is so much to see in Turin! I spent one night there and it as lovely.

Yes, there’s a lot to do! 🙂

Turin looks like a beautiful city to visit. We meant to go when we were in Milan but sadly didn’t have time. Saving this guide for our trip there in the future!

Thank you, Krista! Glad you liked this post 🙂

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Hi, I'm Or!

I'm a passionate traveler obsessed with traveling in Europe and discovering hidden gems in each place I visit. For me, it's not about ticking destinations off the bucket list but experiencing each one of them to the fullest. Read more about me and my story.

• Turin in three days: the ultimate guide on what to do, see and visit
• Places and Tours

What to see in  Turin in three days?  In a city rich in culture, history, and culinary delights, you'll have a lot to admire and do. Let's go! 

Turin in three days: challenge accepted. Of course, a city so dense with history and beauty deserves much more time to be discovered. But three days is a great deal to discover its essential soul. 

Whether you're interested in history, art, gastronomy or outdoor activities, we have your well-being in mind. Get ready to immerse yourself in a city that was the first capital of Italy, the home of Italian cinema , the home of the famous Juventus soccer team and much more. We are sure your three days in Turin will be full of surprises and unforgettable moments. Let's get started!

Turin in 3 days

Before we set off with our itinerary of Turin in three days , some preliminary information. This city of elegant architecture is embraced by the Alps: Monviso , lying to the northwest of the city is a familiar and reassuring sight for Turin residents. In addition to its very strong connection to the mountains that surround it, Turin is a culturally vibrant and lively city. Did you know that Turin is also a mysterious city with esoteric appeal ? 

Turin is easily reached by plane and train. Once in the city getting around by public transportation is really easy, because it is a city on a human scale. 

Finally, a few tips . Here we told you about the most interesting activities to do in Turin, while here you can find our tips on the best neighborhoods to stay in. If, on the other hand, you want to spend your three days in Turin in the most authentic way there is, read our guide to experiencing the city like a local .

Day 1: Discovering the history and culture of Turin

Start your visit to Turin by exploring its historic center, where you will discover an elegant city full of shops and cultural sites. Wake up early, have breakfast, and head towards the Royal Palace , located in the Royal Square adjacent to Piazza Castello. It is a magnificent Baroque building that was the residence of the Savoy dynasty, the rulers of the city and the former royal house of Italy. The city's history intertwines with national significance, so there are many places to explore. For example, after visiting the Royal Palace, you could make your way to the Chapel of the Shroud in the Turin Cathedral , where the holy shroud of Jesus is preserved. You can also admire the architecture by Guarino Guarini.

After a nice lunch, visit the Egyptian Museum , the second-largest Egyptian art museum in the world after the one in Cairo. Here, you can admire tombs, mummies, objects, and artifacts that immerse you in the culture of ancient Egypt, from hieroglyphs to art, providing insights into the daily life of an ancient and fascinating civilization. At a certain point, you might even forget that you're in Italy!

Finally, to conclude the day, head to the hill of Superga and enjoy a fantastic panoramic view of the city from its sanctuary. You can reach it by taking the tram from the Sassi station to Superga, where you'll be treated to a breathtaking view of the city below and the Alpine arc. Not a bad way to end your first day, right?

Day 2: Art and Cuisine, an Extraordinary Combination to Explore in Turin

Let's dedicate the entire second day to the arts: visual and culinary. After visiting the historical apartments of the Royal Palace, we'll start the day by exploring the Galleria Sabauda, located just behind the Royal Palace. The gallery houses art pieces by important Italian and foreign artists such as Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, Rubens, Van Dyck, and other great masters. If that's not enough, you can choose to visit the Museum of Contemporary Art at the Rivoli Castle, an 18th-century building that hosts a permanent collection of contemporary art. It's a place that all contemporary art lovers should discover for the quality of its collections and the architectural uniqueness of the location.

For lunch, treat yourself to a plate of agnolotti, the famous stuffed pasta parcels typical of Turin, often filled with meat. You can find them in one of the many restaurants in the city, and they are simply delicious. Don't forget to visit the Sandretto Re Rebaudengo Foundation , an important exhibition space dedicated to contemporary art and cultural innovation. Finally, enjoy the National Cinema Museum , located inside the Mole Antonelliana , where you can admire the history of Italian and international cinema through a vast collection of objects, photographs, and films.

We understand that it might be challenging to visit all the museums, so feel free to make a selection. The important thing is not to miss out on the traditional Piedmontese dishes for lunch and dinner, such as Vitel tonné (veal in tuna sauce), Anchovies "al verde" (a sauce made with parsley, garlic, and chili), the aforementioned agnolotti, Brasato al Barolo (beef braised in Barolo wine), fritto misto alla piemontese (mixed fried food), and the many traditional desserts like gianduiotto. And don't forget that Turin is the city where the aperitivo was born....

Day 3: Nature and Outdoor Life

For your third and final day in Turin, dedicate your time to nature and outdoor activities. Start your day by visiting Valentino Park, a large urban park that stretches along the banks of the Po River. Here, you can enjoy a pleasant walk along the trails or relax on the green lawns. Within the park, you'll also find Valentino Castle, an impressive royal residence dating back to the 17th century. You can explore its fascinating interiors and admire the historical architecture.

Next, you can visit the Botanical Garden , located within Valentino Park. This garden houses a vast collection of plants and flowers from different parts of the world. You can stroll along the paths, discover rare species, and appreciate the beauty of nature.

After spending time at Valentino Park, you can continue your outdoor experience by visiting two important attractions near Turin: the Royal Palace of Venaria and the Stupinigi Hunting Residence.

The Royal Palace of Venaria is a sumptuous royal residence located a few kilometers from Turin. This majestic architectural complex was built as a hunting residence for the House of Savoy. You can explore its magnificent halls, Italian gardens, and admire the artworks decorating the palace. Additionally, the Royal Palace of Venaria regularly hosts exhibitions and cultural events of great significance.

After visiting the Royal Palace of Venaria, you can make a short detour to visit the Stupinigi Hunting Residence. This historic building, situated within a vast park, was also used as a hunting residence by the House of Savoy. The Stupinigi Hunting Residence is famous for its baroque architecture and offers a fascinating glimpse into the courtly life of the past.

Conclude your day immersed in nature and the architectural beauty of Turin by exploring these splendid outdoor locations.

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Fearlessly Italy

Top Things To Do In Turin, Italy

Mysterious city, where black and white magic meets, the former Italian capital. Torino, today’s capital of Piedmont, is all this and more. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have enough time, the top things to do in Turin, Italy, can be squeezed in a couple of days. If you can afford some more time, however, we know you won’t regret it.

Compared to Italy’s iconic destinations like Rome, Florence , or Venice, Turin is less crowded with tourists. But nevertheless, Savoys’ capital knows how to treat its visitors.

Table of Contents

What to do in Turin for a perfect holiday

A bit of turin history.

The former capital of the Italian kingdom and current capital of the Piedmont region, Turin is a beautiful city in northern Italy.

Turin is a 2000-year-old aristocratic lady. Its origins are linked to the first settlements of Celtic tribes around the 3rd century BC. In 58 BC, Julius Ceasar set up a military settlement, Julia Taurinorum, where the Po and Dora Riparia rivers join, but the official foundation of the city is to be placed in 28 BC when Emperor Octavianus Augustus founded the second outpost and named it Augusta Taurinorum.

From the 4th and 5th centuries, Turin has been under Barbarians’ attack, in 569 the Longobards made the city capital of a dukedom, and in 773 Charlemagne made it the center of a Frankish countship. In the 10th century, Turin was incorporated into the Marca Arduinica, a vassal territory of the Italic Kingdom and the Sacred Roman Empire created after the fall of the Anscarids rule. In the 11th century, Adelaide di Susa from the Marca Arduinica rulers married Oddone of Savoy, officially kicking off the influence of the Savoy clan over the territory.

Turin as a crucial European hub

For some 1000 years, the Savoys ruled Turin. Widely connected to the other royal families through strategic marriages, they contributed to making it one of the crucial European hubs as well as a magnificent and lively city.

In the 16th century, Turin became the capital of the Savoy Kingdom and in the immediate years, the citadel and the battlements were built. The city centre was given its distinctive Baroque style, austere and elegant.

Architects, artists, and writers started pouring and Turin royal court quickly became a centre for the arts with names such as Torquato Tasso, Gianbattista Marino, and Filippo Juvarra.

In 1706, Turin lived 117 days under the siege of the French Army, but the citadel fought back and the was freed also thanks to the fierce sacrifice of men like Pietro Micca who died in the explosion he himself set off to prevent the French troops from moving forward from the tunnels surrounding the city.

1713 saw Turin become the capital of the Kingdom of Sardinia. More palaces were built and renovated to make it look grand enough for the newly acquired status of the imperial capital.

Napoleon occupied the city in June 1800 demolishing the bastions and the gates and replacing them with the boulevards Paris-style. French became the official language and a guillotine was erected in Piazza Carlo Emanuele. Turin lived French-style until 1814 when the Vienna Congress approved the return of the Savoy with Vittorio Emanuele I as the king.

After strong support for the battles of the Italian Risorgimento, in 1861, Turin became the first capital of unified Italy. Vittorio Emanuele II was declared the last king of the Sardo-Piedmont Kingdom and the first king of Italy. Only four years later, however, and despite fierce protests in Turin, the title of capital of the new nation was given to Florence.

Turin never gave up on its cultural and economic importance. In the late 19th century essential factories such as FIAT and Officine Savigliano were born and at the beginning of the 20th century, Turin was one of the world’s industrial capitals.

Top things to see and do in Turin

Many are the themed itineraries you can follow in Turin. Monumental, lively, and proud, Turin is multifaceted and one of the favorite girls’ trip destinations in Europe . History buffs can follow what I like to call the “royal itinerary”, exploring palaces and buildings linked to the former Italian royal family, the Savoy dynasty, while the lovers of the esoteric will easily get caught up in the mysterious crossing between white and black magic.

The great choice of indoor and outdoor activities and places to see in Turin make it a perfect destination to visit every season. Whether you want to know what to see in Turin in one day or you are planning to stay for longer, our guide will help you plan a perfect trip.

Read our tips if you are trying to decide which city to visit between Turin and Milan .

Pay a visit to Palazzo Reale and Piazza Castello

One of the first Turin sights to include in your itinerary is Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace), the main residence of the Savoy family located in Piazza Castello, the heart of the city from where all the main roads branch off. This is one of the six royal residences located in the city center and declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1997 alongside 11 other palaces scattered around Turin.

The huge complex of the Musei Reali di Torino includes the Palazzo Reale itself, the Royal Gardens, the Library, the Savoy Gallery, an impressive collection of paintings that includes masterpieces of Beato Angelico, Filippino Lippi, van Dyck, and Rubens, the Armeria Reale (Royal Armory), one of the world’s largest collection of weapons from pre-historic times to WWII, and the Ancient Museum and Roman Theater underground.

Part of the royal museums is also the Chapel preserving the Holy Shroud, which is now under restoration and closed. The shrine where the Holy Shroud is kept can be seen at the Duomo behind the palace.

Some 3 km route, the complex will show you the most crucial moments of Turin’s history from the first Roman settlements to the Italian unification.

The royal complex stands at one end of Piazza Castello, which is believed to be the heart of Turin’s white energy. The line that separates Piazza Castello from Piazzetta Reale, the entrance to the royal palace, is guarded by the statues of Castor and Pollux, and this is where the good and evil, the sacred and demoniac, the white and black magic meet.

If you are spending even only one day in Turin, don’t miss its Royal Palace.

Address of Turin’s Palazzo Reale : Piazzetta Reale (Piazza Castello). Opening hours of Turin’s Palazzo Reale : Tuesday-Sunday 9 am-7 pm (ticket office opens at 8.30 am and closes at 6 pm). Closed on Monday. Entrance fee to Turin’s Palazzo Reale : 12€ for the full ticket, 6€ for 18 to 25-year-olds and teachers, free for less than 18-year-olds and holders of Torino+Piemonte and Royal cards.

Explore Palazzo Madama

Used in the 17th and 18th centuries as a residence for the ladies of the Savoy royal family, Palazzo Madama is much older. As a matter of fact, it’s been there since the beginning of Turin’s history. Created as a Roman gate, it was turned into a fortress in the Middle Ages and then became the castle of the Acaia rulers.

In the 19th century, King Carlo Alberto made it the seat of the Senate of the Kingdom of Italy, and since 1934 it has been hosting the Museum of Ancient Art. Today each floor of Palazzo Madama represents an era. And this is why it’s totally one of Turin’s things to do.

Travel through the Baroque opulence of the queens’ apartments on the first floor, admire the sculptures and paintings from the Gothic period and the Renaissance on the ground floor, and visit the medieval remains on the underground level. The second floor is devoted to decorative art collections.

Address of Palazzo Madama : Piazza Castello. Opening hours of Palazzo Madama : Open daily except Tuesday 10 am-6 pm. Entrance fee to Palazzo Madama : 10 € for the full ticket for the museum excl. temporary exhibitions, 8 € for visitors between 18 and 25 years old and for older than 65, free for younger than 18, and holders of Torino+Piemonte and Royal cards.

See the Holy Shroud at Duomo di San Giovanni Battista

The only Renaissance church in Turin, the Duomo is devoted to John the Baptist. A mix of Baroque and Renaissance styles, the cathedral of Turin today preserves the Holy Shroud. For practicing Catholics, or even only cultural tourists, this makes it one of the top things to do in Turin.

The “Sindone” is a 4.42-mt-long and 1.13-mt-wide piece of linen cloth and, according to tradition, it’s the funerary cloth used to wrap the body of Christ after it was removed from the cross. The Shroud, or better, the silver and glass shrine can be seen at the very end of the left nave, while in the right nave, you can watch a video that explains everything about Christ’s Cloth. If you want to know more about the Shroud, you can visit the Museo della Sindone (6€) in Via San Domenico 28, some 10 minutes walk from the Duomo.

Built at the end of the 15th century by the will of the Savoys and Bishop Domenico della Rovere, Turin’s cathedral was expanded in the 17th century to host the Shroud, brought to Turin from Chambéry in 1578 by the Savoys.

In the 17th century, architect Guarino Guarini was commissioned both the majestic dome and the chapel where the Shroud is kept. From the original building, we can see the bell tower and the facade. The facade and the interior of the Duomo were restored after the huge fire that destroyed much of it the night between April 11th and 12th 1997.

The Shroud, too, was damaged, and this is why it has been placed in a new shrine made of sealed bulletproof glass, air-isolated and with only an inert gas, protected from the light and all atmospheric agents.

Some believe Piazza San Giovanni is the line separating good and evil because it’s where the Cathedral housing the Holy Shroud stands and also where capital executions happened.

Address of Turin’s Duomo : Piazza San Giovanni. Opening hours of Turin’s Duomo : Daily 7 am-12.30 pm and 3-7 pm. Entrance fee for Turin’s Duomo : Free.

Visit the Real Chiesa di San Lorenzo (Royal Church of San Lorenzo)

The royal church of San Lorenzo sits in Piazza Castello, but the absence of a facade makes it hard to spot it. You can understand there is a church between those walls only for the presence of a dome. Wanted by the Savoys as part of the royal palace, the church was devoted to San Lorenzo after the victory by Emanuele Filiberto over the French troops on August 10th (day of St. Lawrence) 1557.

The church was designed Baroque-style by the monk architect Guarino Guarini and consecrated in 1680.

In 1578, when the capital of the Savoy dukedom was transferred from Chambéry to Turin, the same Emmanuel-Philibert, Duke of Savoy, brought here the Holy Shroud to allow Milan’s bishop Carlo Borromeo to worship it after a pilgrimage of gratitude from Milan to Turin for the end of the plague. Today a copy of the Sindone is still kept in San Lorenzo church.

This church is beautiful and definitely one of the places to see in Turin for its wonderful dome inspired by the Islamic architecture and the 17th-century altar. The design for the facade was never completed because the royal family didn’t want to interrupt the harmony in the architecture of the existing Piazza Castello and to avoid the symbol of the royal power to be hidden by a religious building.

Address of Chiesa di San Lorenzo : Via Palazzo di Città 4. Opening hours of Chiesa di San Lorenzo : Monday to Saturday 7.30 am-12 pm and 4-7 pm; Sundays and holidays 9 am-1 pm and 3-7.30 pm. Entrance fee for Chiesa di San Lorenzo : Free.

Discover Egyptian history at the Museo Egizio

Among the top things to do in Turin, you must absolutely include the Museo Egizio, founded in 1824 by King Carlo Felice. Similarly to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, the Museo Egizio in Turin is entirely devoted to Egyptian ancient culture, art and history, enshrining the discoveries and studies of the most important researchers in this field, such as Jean-François Champollion, the French expert in decoding Egyptian hieroglyphics.

It displays essential relics found during the archaeological diggings in pharaohs’ tombs and ancients cities. As you enter, you are given the audio guide and a map to help you follow the chronological path. Among the Turin sights, this is a real gem. If it’s your first time in Turin, I highly recommend it.

Address of Museo Egizio : Via Accademia delle Scienze, 6. Opening hours of Museo Egizio : Daily 9 am-6.30 pm (Monday until 2 pm). Entrance fee to Museo Egizio : 15 € the full ticket, 11 € for 15 to 18 years old, 1 € for 6 to 14 years old, free for less than 6 years old and holders of Torino+Piemonte Card.

Book your skip-the-line tour to the Museo Egizio

Pay a visit to UNESCO site Palazzo Carignano

Beautiful Baroque-style palace looking over its namesake piazza, Palazzo Carignano is yet another project of Modena-born architect Guarino Guarini. The works for this building started in 1679 and ended in 1685. It was the official residence of the Carignano family, part of the Savoys, until 1831, when it became a public building.

This is one of the most important royal palaces in Turin, together with Palazzo Reale and Palazzo Madama, and one of the Savoy buildings enlisted by UNESCO . Here, Carlo Alberto and Vittorio Emanuele II were born, and here was the seat of the first Italian Parliament.

The red facade is covered with cotto tiles, while the back comes with an eclectic style of white stone, pink stucco, and pillars. Today the seat of the National Museum of the Risorgimento, the interior of Palazzo Carignano is rich in frescoes and decorations. Along with the museum covering the series of battles terminating with the Italian unification, visitors can also view the apartments of the Carignano Princes with a free guide provided at the entrance, organized following a specific timetable and in groups not bigger than 25 people. This is why I recommend stopping by in advance and enquiring about the time of the tours.

Address of Palazzo Carignano : Via Accademia delle Scienze 5. Opening hours for Palazzo Carignano : Tuesday to Sunday 10 am-6 pm (last entrance at 5 pm), Monday closed. Entrance fee to Palazzo Carignano : 5 € full ticket, 2.50 € for 18 to 25 years old, free for younger than 18, and holders of the Torino+Piemonte and Royal cards. Free entrance for everyone on the first Sunday of the month.

Walk around Piazza San Carlo

A beautiful square in the city center, one of the best things to see in Turin is Piazza San Carlo and its twinned Baroque-style churches of Santa Cristina (1639) and San Carlo (1619). Created as Piazza Reale, it later became Piazza d’Armi and Place Napoléon before being named Piazza San Carlo in 1618 after Milan’s bishop San Carlo Borromeo.

Its beautiful layout makes it a perfect setting for concerts, political meetings, and all sorts of events. But to make this square important socially and historically is not just its beauty. The coffee shops lined around its perimeter, among which the most famous are Caffè Torino and Caffè San Carlo, have been for centuries the meeting point for intellectuals, researchers, aristocrats and even members of the royal family.

In 1773, writer Vittorio Alfieri bought here a house that later transformed into a cultural association. Piazza San Carlo was even the theatre of a protest repressed in blood when the Minghetti government decided to move the capital of the newly unified Italy from Turin to Florence in 1864.

Sip your coffee at one of the old cafes and soak in Turin’s regal feel with the view of the statue of Emanuele Filiberto on a horse in its center.

Enjoy the view from the Mole Antonelliana

Symbol of Turin, there is more than one reason to visit the Mole Antonelliana. Panoramic elevator, historic landmark, and the house of the Museo del Cinema, across the different floors of the Mole Antonelliana you can explore the most important moments of the history of the big screen.

The museum shows how the techniques and styles evolved and you can view different types of sets. You can also play some interactive ruse such as 3D, be part of movie scenes and see some of the iconic symbols or objects of international and Italian cinema such as the red scarf of famous Italian movie director Federico Fellini.

Originally built as a Synagogue between 1863 and 1889 following a project by architect Alessandro Antonelli, 167-mt-tall Mole was later bought by the local Council that made it a national monument. In 1961, for the 100th anniversary of the Italian unification, they inaugurated the panoramic elevator and still today we can go up to admire a view of the city and the surrounding Alps.

Address of the Mole Antonelliana : Via Montebello 20 Opening hours of the Mole Antonelliana : Daily 9 am-8 pm (last entrance an hour before closing time), closed on Tuesday. Entrance fee to the Mole Antonelliana : 10 € is the full ticket for the museum, 7 € for the elevator, 14 cumulative museum+elevator; 8 € for the museum for older than 65 and university students up to 26 years old, 5 € for the elevator for 6 to 18 year-olds, older than 65, university students up to 26 years old, and holders of Torino+Piemonte Card, 11 € cumulative museum+elevator for university students up to 26 years old, older than 65, and groups of 15 people with booking; free museum and elevator for up to 5 years old, free museum for holders of Torino+Piemonte Card.

Stroll along the Covered Galleries (Passaggi Coperti)

That Turin is a royal city appears obvious at first sight. The architecture is majestic and roads and buildings were built in the most comfortable way so that also the elite could enjoy the city and walk around without giving up on their luxury and amenities.

Often in Turin’s city center, you will see the walkways between buildings are covered, and this was aimed at easing the members of the upper class. The first of this series of covered walkways were built in 1856 and later destroyed for further construction works, but many others were built and lined up with cafes, shops, and theatres.

Lovely tourist attractions, they are part of the soul of the city. Among the best you can visit today are 19th-century Galleria Subalpina between Piazza Castello and Via Cesare Battisti, Galleria Umberto I between Piazza della Repubblica and Via della Basilica, and Galleria San Federico, built in the first half of the 20th century and that you can access from Via Roma, Via Bertola, and Via Santa Teresa.

Visit the mysterious Chiesa della Gran Madre di Dio

Coming from the city centre, cross the Po river from Ponte Vittorio Emanuele I bridge and you’ll find yourself facing an imposing structure on a hilltop. This is the Chiesa della Gran Madre di Dio, Italian for Great Mother of God Church, one of those places that in Turin are said to hold powerful energies.

The large staircase in front of the austere-looking facade is dominated by the two statues standing on the two sides representing Faith, holding a chalice in her left hand, and Religion. According to the legend, the Holy Grail, the chalice from where Jesus Christ drank his last wine before being arrested, tortured and crucified, is buried somewhere in the middle.

It’s believed that this was the site of a temple of the goddess Isis, whose cult was replaced by the advent of the Christian religion. Some believe that the same name of the church, devoted to the Mother of God, actually refers to Isis goddess.

Address of Chiesa della Gran Madre : Piazza Gran Madre di Dio 4. Opening hours of Chiesa della Gran Madre : Daily 7.30 am-7 pm. Entrance fee to Chiesa della Gran Madre : Free.

Go to Turin’s magic heart at Piazza Statuto

Being Turin part of both white and black magic triangles, it’s only normal to expect that some places hide negative energies. Apparently, Piazza Statuto is the heart of all evil, so if you are into esoteric and mysteries, stepping over this cobbled piazza is one of your top things to do in Turin.

In the middle of the piazza stands tall the statue of the Fontana del Frejus, the fountain of Frejus road tunnel. The workers’ statues sit on a rough pyramid made of rocks brought from the Frejus to commemorate the people who died during the construction works of the tunnel. Many, however, believe this is the black heart of Turin, the point of the black magic triangle, and the gates to Hell.

The link to the Darkness, however, is not recent. Piazza Statuto is located west, where the sun sets and the dark starts, reason why the Romans chose this area for capital executions and bury the dead.

Truth is, it’s a beautiful piazza surrounded by covered porticoes to allow the members of the bygone aristocracy to enjoy their promenade also during the rainy days. I suggest a visit even if you are not an esoteric fan as all around is full of delicious restaurants.

Book your Dark Arts and Black Magic Tour

Borgo Medievale and Valentino’s Garden

Get to the medieval quarter inside Parco del Valentino and you will whirl back to a couple of hundred years, right when the Middle Ages were in full tilt. The only thing, this medieval quarter is not quite medieval.

Built between 1882 and 1884 for the Esposizione Generale Italiana, fair promoted by the Italian industrial society, this medieval quarter was planned by a team of artists and researchers. They carefully recreated buildings, shops, and interiors as close to medieval times as possible, even using the same materials.

In 1884, real workshops of carpenters, pottery artisans, textile craftsmen, and more, were opened to show daily life back in the day. Although it was supposed to be destroyed at the end of the exhibition, in 1942 it became a museum and now it’s one of the favorite places to visit in Turin.

Inside the quarter, there is the so-called Rocca, a 4-story building where you can see a proper medieval house, the kitchen, the bedroom, the dining halls, and the internal courtyard.

If you are spending at least three days in Turin, do try to squeeze this into your itinerary.

Address of Turin’s Borgo Medievale : Viale Virgilio 107, Parco del Valentino Opening hours of Turin’s Borgo Medievale : The Borgo opens daily 9 am-7 pm (in summer until 8 pm), La Rocca daily except Monday 10 am-6 pm (last entrance 5.15 pm) Entrance fee to Turin’s Borgo Medievale : The Borgo is free, the ticket for La Rocca is 6 €, but it closes in winter.

Castello del Valentino

If you are still wondering what to do in Turin, Castello del Valentino will enchant you at first sight. Today the building of Turin’s university, its huge facade seems to belong to a romantic fairy tale and the surrounding park completes the royal scene.

Built in the 16th century by the order of Christine of France, wife of Vittorio Amedeo I, the castle is a design by architects Carlo and Amedeo di Castellamonte, who gave it a French touch in honor of the queen. After the death of Christine of France, the castle lost its rank as a residence and was used as a veterinary school, a military base in 1824, and the school for engineers from 1859. Today, it’s the building of the Department of Architecture of the Politecnico di Torino, Turin’s prestigious university.

The interior is beautifully decorated in a typical 17th-century style and each room boasts its own frescoes. On the left of the castle, there is the Botanic Garden founded by Vittorio Amedeo II in 1729 and which preserves several rare species and a rich library.

Address of Castello del Valentino : Viale Mattioli 39. Opening hours of Castello del Valentino : Since it’s now the building of a university, the castle can be visited only on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month. Booking is mandatory and must be done online. Email for info:  [email protected] Entrance fee to Castello del Valentino : Ticket is 3.50 €, the guided tour is free but the booking fee (mandatory) is 3.50 €.

Take a day trip to Basilica di Superga

One of the best places to visit in Turin is the gorgeous Basilica di Superga . A pearl of Piedmont Baroque, it was designed by Italian architect Filippo Juvarra. In its underground, you can visit the Savoys’ tombs, while from its terrace you can admire a view of Turin, as long as it’s a clear day.

Alongside the basilica itself, there are also the tombs of the Savoy Royal Tombs. Designed by architect Francesco Martinez, Juvarra’s grandson, some 62 Savoia’s tombs are displayed, as well as the Royal Apartments.

How to get to Basilica di Superga : Take the tram 15 from Piazza Castello or buses 68 or 61 from Porta Nuova station and get off at Sassi. From here, you can take the train on the old rack railway to Superga for a ride of about 20 minutes. Opening hours of Basilica di Superga : Daily 10 am 1.30 pm and 2.30-7 pm, Sunday 10 am-7 pm, Wednesday closed Entrance fee to Basilica di Superga : 5 € for the tour to the royal tombs or the apartments, 4 € for older than 65 and students, free for younger than 12 and holders of the Torino+Piemonte Card.

Take another day trip to La Venaria Reale

Don’t end your Turin sightseeing without visiting at least one of the royal residences on the outskirts of the city. Easy to reach, fans of slow travel can make their visit to La Venaria Reale one of their lovely day trips from Turin.

Built as the hunting lodge of Duke of Savoy, Carlo Emanuele II, the famous Reggia di Venaria is a huge complex where luxury and opulence are key.

Visiting La Venaria Reale you will travel in time across the history of the House of Savoy, the evolution of their supremacy and Turin from county to kingdom, and the architecture as a demonstration of power and grandeur. Start your visit from the basement, where you can cover the Savoy dynasty through their portraits.

Counts in the Middle Ages, Dukes from the 15th century and Kings from the 18th century, the House of Savoy have been one of the longer-running ruling dynasties in history. In fact, almost 1,000 years went by from Umberto I Biancamano early 11th century to Umberto II, the last King of Italy, in 1946.

La Venaria Reale complex is a journey through the history of former Italian royal family and their love for elegance and style. Across the different floors, you will visit the royal apartments, the hunting lodge, the galleries, the never-missing chapels, the grand stables, a design by architect Filippo Juvarra, and obviously the wonderful gardens.

Your day trip from Turin can include a delightful lunch at one of the restaurants or cafes in the area.

How to get to Venaria Reale : You can get the VenariaExpress shuttle bus from Piazza Vittorio or Piazza Castello and it will drop you near the entrance to Reggia Venaria station. Timetables change in summer and winter so I recommend you ask at the tourism office. Opening hours of Venaria Reale : 9 am-5 pm (Saturday and Sunday until 6.30 pm), Monday closed. Entrance fee to Venaria Reale : 25 € the full ticket, 16 € only mansion and gardens, 5 € only the gardens; reduced 14 € for over 65, university students; 10 € between 6 and 20 years old, and university students (mansion + gardens); free for younger than 6 years old, and holders of Torino+Piemonte and Royal cards.

Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi

Wonderful hunting lodge just outside the city, the Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi enters the list of the best places to visit in Turin with full rights.

In 1729, Vittorio Amedeo II commissioned the building of a hunting lodge in the lands in Stupinigi that Emanuele Filiberto had bought in 1564. The great Sicilian architect took inspiration from the Roman architectural tradition he had learned at the schools of Carlo Fontana and Fischer Von Erlach. This way, he designed a lodge with an elliptical salon in the middle with side pathways laid out like hunting routes.

A long, tree-lined boulevard represents the link with the rest of Turin’s architectural style and the pillar of the whole complex consisting of the lodge, a courtyard, the garden and the park.

A favourite of the Savoys among the leisure and hunting places, the Palazzina di Stupinigi briefly hosted also Napoleon.

How to get to Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi : Take the bus from Torino Lingotto train station. Opening hours of Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi : Daily 10 am-5.30 pm (Saturday and Sunday until 6.30 pm), closed on Monday. Entrance fee to Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi : 12 € for the full ticket, 8 € for visitors from 6 to 18 years old and older than 65, university students and holders of the City Sightseeing Torino ticket; free for children less than 6 years old and holder of the Royal and Torin+Piemonte cards.

Sample the traditional cuisine

Rich in flavors, not-so-light and quite meat-centric, the local cuisine is what to do in Turin whether you are a foodie or simply want to explore the local culture.

Delicacies like garlic-rich bagna cauda , a hearty polenta dish, tajarin pasta with butter and sage and vitel tonné (veal on a tuna sauce) are only some of the specialties you can try in Turin’s best restaurants for first-time visitors .

Enjoy the Bicerin historical drink

A warm and cozy blend of coffee, chocolate, and milk is a perfect hug at any time of the day. Turin’s Bicerin is this and more. A historical drink cherished by many notables, enjoying a Bicerin coffee in one of the city’s oldest cafes is definitely one of the top things to do in Turin.

6 reasons why you should visit Turin

Beautiful architecture.

Monumental palaces and buildings define some 2000 years of architecture in the first capital of unified Italy. The royal mansions of the Savoy family scattered all around the city center and Turin’s outskirts add to the artistic value of the urban landscape and make your trip interesting and engaging.

With more than 40 museums, it’s safe to say that Turin has something to offer to anyone. Whether your interest is cinema, contemporary art, the Egyptian culture, sports or anthropology, Turin got you covered. Turin is also the city where the only self-portrait of Leonardo Da Vinci is kept.

Alongside being Italy’s capital, Turin boasts also a long tradition of chocolate authority. Enjoyed in both liquid and solid forms, Turin’s chocolate can become addictive and easily a big part of your trip. After Turin, your chocolate experience will never be the same. Make sure you try the finest at Guido Gobino and also taste Bicerin.

Sacred art and architecture

The Savoy royal family never neglected their spiritual life, so it goes without saying that Turin is home to beautiful churches and a fine sacred art alongside important symbols of the Catholic religion, first among all the Holy Shroud. More on how to visit the Holy Shroud below.

It’s green

Despite being a large city, the traffic in Turin is not mental and many people choose to bike over driving. Turin has also some lovely parks where you can have a picnic, a bike ride, a nice walk or run, or simply relax surrounded by greenery.

It’s magical

While this can be read as a generic compliment, in Turin’s case it applies pretty literally. Considered the crossing point between black and white magic, if you are wondering what to see in Turin away from the usual tourist path, you can look for the holy grail, research the occult, explore where good and evil meet, and capture the energy of unlikely spiritual places.

Planning a Turin trip

Here are some practical tips to make the most of your Turin trip and save money on the main Turin sightseeing.

Purchase Turin+Piedmont Card

The Tourism Office sells the 1-day card (23 €) that gives you free entrance to maximum three landmarks, while the 2-day card (35 € or 15 for under 18yo), the 3-day card (42 € or 19 for under 18) and the 5-day card (51 €) give you free entrance to almost all landmarks and discount to the remaining attractions. With the 1, 2 and 3-day cards, you can match the GTT tickets for public transport. You can also buy the card online before you arrive.

Buy online your 2-day Turin+Piedmont Card , your 3-day Card or the 5-day Card .

If you are traveling to Turin with your family, you can purchase the Royal Card. One ticket for an adult and a child younger than 12 costs 34 € and gives you free access to the main royal residences (including the temporary exhibitions), free public transport for 48 hours (including the shuttle bus to Venaria royal residence), free access to the “Reali Sensi” experiences. Children between 3 and 11 years old need their own ticket for public transport.

Buy online your Royal Card

How to get to Turin

From Rome , Milan, Florence, Genoa or other big Italian cities, you can take the Frecciarossa, Frecciabianca or Italo trains and get to Turin’s main station, Porta Nuova, in Corso Vittorio Emanuele II 53.

If you are coming from the airport, you can reach Turin by car, bus or train. From the Arrival area, you can easily rent a car or book a taxi. The SFMA railway connects the airport with Turin’s train station Dora GTT from where you can easily reach Porta Susa, the city center, and the metro. The ride takes 19 minutes and the ticket costs 3 €, it lasts for 120 minutes from validation time and can be used on SFMA, metro and GTT buses. Website: www.sfmtorino.it

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The Best of Turin

27 Things To Do in Turin, Italy – Travel Tips From a Local

Turin stole my heart! It took me only seven days in the city to want to move from Thailand here. There are so many amazing things to do in Turin that just one (or two) holiday trips wouldn’t be enough. So I packed my bags and embraced the charms of Turin, Italy, and I loved it!

I’m telling you that so you know you are about to discover a unique destination. And I’m sure this list of what to do in Turin will guide you to the best of the city.

Why is Turin so special?

Turin is a cultural and business hub loved and revered for its mind-blowing architecture and delectable cuisine. It might not be among Italy’s top ten most popular destinations but I believe this is a good thing.

There is a misconception that Turin is only an industrial city, home of the Fiat and Juventus Football Team.

These are just two of the many things you can experience in Turin. The city has a royal past, breathes art, and it’s a place where you can have the full Italian experience, from food to design, art, history, wine, and nature.

If you are on the fence about adding Turin to your Italian trip, here are 10 reasons to visit Turin ASAP . 

By the end of this guide, you will probably need to re-plan your Turin itinerary to stay more days in the city and the Piedmont region.

Are you in a hurry? Here are 5 essential Turin Travel Tips:

• Our favorite hotels in Turin are the 5-star Principi di Piemonte Hotel and the budget-friendly B&B IL SOGNO .
• Here are the Royal Palaces you must visit .
• Must-do tours in Turin: Egyptian Museum Skip-the-Line Guided Tour , Royal Palace Entry Ticket and Guided Tour , and Turin: 2-Hour City Highlights Walking Tour .
• Get your Turin City Card and save on attractions, activities, and transportation. 
• Weather and the best time to visit Turin .

Unmissable things to do in Turin, Italy

I was having trouble deciding on how to start this list. Should I list the attractions in Turin by popularity or from the least known? So I chose to write from my heart.

I’m sharing all the places I loved to visit in Turin and attractions I visited more than once. These places will give you a sense of the entire city and why I consider Turin one of the most beautiful cities in Italy.

Before we start, it is good to know that our things to do in Turin guide is divided into sections:

• Turin’s attractions, what to see and visit
• Experiences you can have in Turin
• Turin Travel Tips

Turin attractions and places to visit

These iconic Turin attractions are essential to include on your itinerary. Places and landmarks that play a crucial role in the history and culture of the city. They are:

1 – Royal Palace of Turin and Royal Armory

I’m sure you will be awed by the history and beauty of the royal complex with two UNESCO heritage sites in only one place.

The Palazzo Reale Torino – Royal Palace of Turin – was built by the House of Savoy in the 16th century and has many important attractions within its walls.

You will spend two to three hours wandering around the Royal Apartments, admiring the throne hall, exploring the Royal Library and the Royal Armory, and relaxing in the gardens.

The Armeria Reale (Royal Armory) is one of my favorite places in Turin. When visiting it, take your time to admire the walls and ceilings, you will understand why I like it so much. 

The Royal Armory is considered one of the most important weapon museums in the world and the rooms where the artifacts are displayed are a work of art worth visiting.

Before your visit read our Turin Royal Palace and Armory Guide here

• Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am – 7 pm Closed on Mondays There are different opening times for the Royal Library (Monday – Friday, 8 am – 7 pm, and Saturday 8 am – 2 pm).
• Recommended tour: Royal Palace Skip-the-line Ticket and Guided Tour  

2 – Palazzo Madama

Palazzo Madama is the first of many historic buildings in Turin. It houses the city’s museum of ancient art, it is home to collections of the Museo Civico d’Arte Antica.

While you can easily see the outside beauty of the building and move on, the true glory lies inside. You will agree with me once you see it, especially the staircase.

Palazzo Madama is one of the many outstanding royal residences and palaces to visit in Turin – click on the link to see the full list.

• Opening hours: Wednesday – Monday, 10 am – 6 pm Closed on Tuesdays

3 – Turin Egyptian Museum

Did you know Turin is home to the world’s oldest Egyptian museum with a collection of over 26,000 Egyptian artifacts? It has from beautiful artifacts to mummies and papyri, the Torino Museo Egizio offers an unparalleled journey into an ancient civilization.

We have been here twice, and after entering the museum, I felt like I was back in a time of Pharaohs, mummies, and statues.

Visiting the museum is a wonderful learning experience for kids and adults. We wrote a comprehensive guide about how to visit the Turin Egyptian Museum . You can read it to plan your trip, and you can also book your tickets in advance , to save time and avoid queues. 

• Opening hours: Monday 9 am – 2 pm Tuesday – Sunday 9 am – 6:30 pm
• Recommended Tour: Turin Egyptian Museum Small Group Guided Tour

4 – Porta Palazzo

You should visit Porta Palazzo early in the morning if you fancy fresh sweet peaches, carnation red tomatoes, and the frenzy of a good food market. We get our fruits and veggies weekly here and have memorable experiences.

Mercato Di Porta Palazzo is the biggest open-air market in Turin and one of the biggest in Europe. You can easily reach it from Piazza Castello, and on the way stop to admire the impressive Porta Palatina .

The market is divided into segments. On one side are the stalls selling the best fruits and veggies you find in Italy. On the other side of the square are clothing, footwear, and houseware sellers.

The buildings surrounding the open-air market are dedicated to a specific type of food. There is the fish market, the meat, cold cuts and bakery, the dry food and grains market, and a modern building called the Torino Mercato Centrale – Turin Central Market.

Torino Central Market is the perfect place to try zero km food and some of the traditional dishes from the Piedmont region. Go for lunch or happy hour and thank me later.

• Opening hours: Monday to Friday 7 am – 2 pm Saturday – 7 am – 7 pm Closed on Sundays

5 – Mole Antonelliana and the National Museum of Cinema

When I say that Turin is beautiful, I’m not exaggerating. Even after visiting the Royal Palace and Palazzo Madama, I’m sure you will be mesmerized by the beauty and size of the Mole Antonelliana building. 

The Mole tower is a symbol of Turin and you can see it from almost everywhere. One of the coolest things to do in Turin is to visit the building and go all the way up for panoramic views of the city surrounded by the Alps.

The best part is that before reaching the top of the needle tower, you can get lost in the history of cinema. Once a building that should have been a synagogue, the Mole Antonelliana nowadays houses the Museo Nazionale Del Cinema (National Museum of Cinema) which tells the story of Italian cinema, Hollywood, and much more.

• Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday 9 am – 7 pm Saturday – 9 am – 10 pm Closed on Tuesday
• Get your tickets in advance on the National Museum of Cinema’s official website .

6 – MAUTO – Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile

The history of Turin is intertwined with the car industry. Think of FIAT, Lancia, Pininfarina, and Abarth, they are all connected to Turin. So why not discover the history of this automobile legacy through an interactive museum packed with cool cars and unique models?

MAUTO, short for Museum of Automobile of Turin has nearly 200 cars from vintage steam wagons to sleek modern rides. It’s like a history lesson on wheels, showing how these incredible machines have evolved over the years.

You get to see the actual Fiat that starred in “The Italian Job” film, and classic models from Alfa Romeo and Lancia. Plus, they have special sections dedicated to racing, design, and even the social impact of cars.

I enjoyed the museum a lot even not being a car enthusiast. Rob, my husband, was thrilled to see so many incredible cars. 

Together with the Museum of Cinema and Egyptian Museum, the Automobile Museum of Turin is one of the best things to do in Turin with kids or families. Don’t miss it.

• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10 am – 7 pm Monday – 10 am – 2 pm Closed on Tuesday
• Get your tickets in advance on the Mauto website .
• Recommended Tour: Torino Fiat Lingotto District Tour with Museum Entry & Wine .

Local Tip: you can visit most of the Turin attractions mentioned in this guide using the Turin + Piedmont Card . 

The card gives free access to famous museums, palaces, points of interest in Turin, and discounts on events and services. For those planning to visit more than 3 attractions/museums in Turin, it’s a money-saving option. You can choose the card from 2 up to 5 days.

7 – Turin Cathedral and the Holy Shroud

The holy shroud is a major attraction in Turin and countless people travel to marvel at the religious relic. It is housed in Turin Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist . Built from 1491–1498, the cathedral is a masterpiece and a must-visit during your Turin travels.

The Shroud of Turin is a linen cloth that outlines the image of a man who many claim to be Jesus of Nazareth. 

It doesn’t matter if you are religious or not, visiting the Shroud of Turin is quite an experience. But before going here, read our Turin Shroud guide , it tells everything you need to know about the Jesus Christ shroud’s history, authenticity, and how to visit it.

• Opening hours: Daily from 7 am – 12 pm and 3 pm – 7 pm
• Recommended Tour: Private Tour on The Path of The Holy Shroud

8 – Explore the streets of Quadrilatero Romano and try the Bicerin

The Quadrilatero Romano is one of Turin’s oldest areas, where you can find from Roman ruins to the most beautiful palaces and churches.

The narrow streets of the historic center are a labyrinth filled with local restaurants, cozy cafés, ice cream shops, and local designs. 

The area is busy day and night. Check the small streets off Garibaldi Street (the main pedestrian street) and find local cafes and bars.

While in the area find your way to Caffé Al Bicerin . This is the birthplace of the Bicerin drink, and If you like coffee, chocolate, and a dose of history, you’ll love it. It’s a small coffee shop that usually has a queue of people waiting to be sited, but it’s worth waiting. It’s a Turin icon. 

After 5 pm most of the cafes and bars start serving the traditional aperitivo, the perfect opportunity to try the local wine and drinks paired with local delicacies like cheese, cold cuts, and chips and meet locals.

• Opening hours: 24 hours daily

9 – Wander around Piazza San Carlo and nearby streets 

As one of the main city squares in Turin, it’s busy day and night and you must visit at different times to see its beauty.

Laid out in the 16th and 17th centuries, the Baroque-style square has earned a reputation for being a stage for historical and social events, and from here you can reach many famous places in Turin like: 

• Palazzo Carignano – one of the most important baroque palaces in Turin, it has two different facades, and you can walk through its courtyard. Inside is the National Museum of the Risorgimento which tells the history of the Italian unification. You might not want to add another museum to your Turin trip, but the inside of the palace is marvelous and worth seeing. I loved it!
• Turin Galleries – Turin city center hides many gems called Galleria, which are masterpieces of architecture turned into shopping areas. My favorites are Galleria Subalpina and Ga lleria San Federico (where you can visit Lux Cinema). Pin them on your Google Maps to not forget to visit.
• Via Roma & Via Giuseppe Luigi Lagrange – these two streets are the shopping heart of Turin. Here you can find local Italian designs, fast fashion, art galleries, chocolate shops, historical cafes, and more. Walk these streets up and down and when you are tired stop at one of the historic coffee houses (Turin produces incredible coffee and has amazing cafes), or try a hot chocolate another local specialty.
• Recommended Tours: Turin 2-Hour City Highlights Walking Tour and Turin Historical Walking Tour by Night

10 – San Lorenzo Church

Also known as the Royal Church of Saint Lawrence, San Lorenzo is a Baroque-style church adjacent to the Royal Palace of Turin. Known for its breathtakingly adorned cupola, the sanctuary is an architectural gem.

Built by architect Guarino Guarini from 1668 to 1687, the plain facade leads to a gorgeous interior. When I visited it for the first time I didn’t expect such a beautiful place, it’s so unique, yet many visitors ignore it. 

• Opening hours: Weekdays 7:30 am – 12 pm, 3:30 pm – 7 pm Holidays 9 am – 7:30 pm

11 – Monte dei Cappuccini

Are you looking for stunning views of Turin? Then put on your comfy shoes and head to Monte dei Cappuccini. This hill is just 325 meters above the city and rises beside the River Po , another must-visit place in Turin. 

Why it’s so special? Along with the great views from the city adorned by the Alps, you can also visit the Church of Santa Maria del Monte dei Cappuccini built in the late 16th century with a beautiful Baroque interior. 

If you have time, go and visit the Museo Nazionale della Montagna “Duca degli Abruzzi” . It’s a museum about mountaineering and the Italian pioneers. It’s a small museum, with incredible stories and amazing views.

We love to go to Monte dei Cappuccini for sunset. Our ritual was to grab a takeaway pizza and a few beers and climb up the hill. It’s the best way to end a good day in Turin, trust me.

• Opening hours: The hill is open 24 hours daily. 

12 – Parco Del Valentino

You can’t say you traveled to Turin if you didn’t visit Parco Del Valentino. It’s an oasis of 5000,00m² in the heart of the city alongside the River Po, and spending an afternoon here is one of the top things to do in Turin.

It’s where we go for a run or to cycle, where we meet friends, do picnics, through parties and it’s our beach during Summer. But I truly love it during autumn, when all the leaves turn yellow and red, and the park looks like a fairytale place.

But Parco Del Valentino is more than a green space, there you will find the Castello del Valentino (another royal palace), the stunning Fontana dei 12 Mesi (an opulent 19th-century fountain), the Botanical Garden of Turin, and stroll around the Borgo Medievale an incredible medieval village construed for the General Italian Artistic and Industrial Exhibition 1884.

If you want to relax, do like the Torineses, grab a drink and a sandwich in one of the many kiosks along the park, and sit on the grass and enjoy life.

• Opening hours: 24 hours daily.

13 – EATALY Torino

It’s time to talk about food, and one of my favorite places to eat in Turin is EATALY. You might have already heard about it, it’s like a shop/shopping mall selling only Italian products. They have stores worldwide, but you might not know that EATALY is from Turin. 

You heard it right, this concept store started in Turin and you can buy and try the best Italian Piemont local products here.

Go to EATALY for lunch, dinner, afternoon snack, or brunch, you can eat incredible pizzas, seafood, steaks and fresh salads, all made with locally sourced ingredients and paired with outstanding wines and coffee. 

The best part is that here you can buy tons of ingredients to take home, cans of tuna, packs of olives and pasta, bottles of sparkling wine, chocolates, and more. You probably need to buy one more suitcase too, but this is not a problem, right?!

• Opening hours: Daily – 8 am to 11 pm.

14 – GreenPea Torino

Just beside EATALY is the GreenPea, you will notice the interesting modern building. It’s the first ever green retail shopping in Italy. Imagine an oasis of sustainable and eco-friendly goods, from clothes to cars, houseware, furniture, games, cosmetics and more.

The building is sustainable and you will find a surprise on the rooftop. You can fill up your tammy at the restaurant or relax your soul at the spa, both on the GreenPea top floor. 

The spa has an incredible infinity pool overlooking the city, it’s amazing. For those looking to pamper themselves the Otium Lounge Bar & Spa is a good option, also check out QC Termetorino .

• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 10 am to 8 pm.

15 – Fiat Pista at Lingotto

This is one of the coolest things to do in Turin, at least for me. Seriously, where else in the world will you be able to walk on a piste where they tested cars, and the piste is on top of a building overlooking the city? 

The building used to be a FIAT factory and the cars were tested on the rooftop piste of the building. Nowadays, the building is a shopping mall, has two hotels and the famous testing piste is an open-air garden with bars and restaurants and a Pinacoteca.

it’s another perfect place in Turin for sunset drinks. Come here before the sun goes down to visit the piste, walk around, and sit for a nice cocktail. 

Side note, the Fiat Pista is located in front of EATALY and the GreenPea, you can visit these 3 Turin attractions on the same day or afternoon. 

• Opening hours:

Fiat Caffè – Tuesday to Sunday 10 am to 7 pm.

La Pista Restaurant – Monday to Saturday 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm

16 – San Salvario drinks and food

We talked about drinks at Fiat Pista, so I feel the need to tell you that one of the best areas in Turin to have an aperitivo is San Salvario.

It’s a neighborhood between Valentino Park and The Porta Nova train station. It’s known for its cool bars, unique restaurants and parties. The streets can be messy sometimes, but it’s where you can mingle with locals and try really tasty food and delicious drinks.

We like Locanda Clandestina for aperitivo, DDR for great drinks and burgers. Scannabue restaurant is always full, and Naples – Antica Pizzeria e Friggitoria is a must-try. Have fun and thank me later!

Do you want to take your food experience to another level?

Then check out these food tours in turin:, 17 – basilica of superga.

One more beautiful church with incredible views. The Basilica of Superga is one of the top places to visit in Turin because of its architecture and location, on the top of a hill overlooking the city.

The Basilica of Superga opened to service in 1731and it’s a great example of Baroque-Classicism architecture. It is a good place to go with family and kids as you can combine history, nature and a lovely ride on a vintage tram.

To get here you have 3 options: hike for a couple of hours through a natural park, get a bus, or take the vintage tram. We went here by tram and bus, the hike is still on our Turin to-do list.

The tram journey is great fun and sets the mood to visit the church, climb to the Dome, and explore the Royal Apartments and Royal Tombs. But the best part of this experience is the breathtaking views you can have from Turin.

• Opening hours: The opening hours change according to the seasons, I recommend you check the official website before planning your visit.

18 – Juventus Stadium

Football fans are crazy about Juventus, and many travel to Turin only to visit the stadium or watch a match here.

If you have never heard of them no problem, we wrote a Juventus Football Team & Stadium Guide , read it before traveling to Turin.

But why I’m talking about Juventus? The team all-seater football stadium, known as Allianz Stadium (since July 2017), is an architectural symbol of contemporary Turin and one of the most visited places in the city.

You can do a guided torus in the stadium and stop at the Juventus shop to buy souvenirs and the team shirts.

• Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 10:30 am – 6 pm Saturday, Sunday, festivities 10:30 am – 7:30 pm
• For more info about the stadium visit click here .

Experiences and what to do in Turin that is unique

19 – turin underground tour.

Turin’s underground tunnels and cellars are a unique part of the city’s history. Above ground, you can admire baroque and neoclassical architecture, however, 15 meters below the surface you can find the mysteries that lie below these buildings.

Here is an interesting tour that will take you to places no tourists can access themselves. The Underground Turin Walking Tour is a must if you are curious about secret tunnels under the city’s citadel, royal ice depots beneath Porta Palazzo, and a WWII air raid shelter.

• Duration: 3 hours
• Cost: Approximately €35
• Take note: Not suitable for people who struggle with claustrophobia
• Book this experience here .

20 – Turin Local Food Tour

Give your tastebuds an experience to remember for life and join a food tour to try the best of Piedmont cuisine. A foodie walking tour in Turin is a fantastic way to sample local food while discovering the city’s beauty.

While you can put together your own list of must-visit restaurants in Turin (we already mention a few places in this guide), it’s much easier to book a guided food tour and enjoy the moment.

Let the local guide navigate you to the best spots to taste traditional dishes while learning about the history of the flavors. From Gianduiotto, Bicerin, a variety of local cheeses, and other traditional tastes. Don’t forget to try Vitello Tonato, one of my faves. 

• Cost: Approximately €120
• Take note: Come with an empty belly!
• Click here for the Best Turin Food Tour .

21 – Chocolate Tour in Turin

If you like chocolate, even if just slightly, take your time to explore the flavors of Turin chocolate history and culture, you won’t regret it. 

Did you know Turin’s first chocolate store opened in 1678? The chocolate was brought to Turin by the royal families and since then the city’s chocolatiers have been experimenting with high-quality cocoa, local ingredients, and refined techniques, making Turin chocolate one of the best in the world.

A walking chocolate tour in Turin is a fun activity for the whole family by adding historical context to the indulgent flavors and then walking off the calories between stops. Just make sure to try one (or many) giandujotto or gianduja chocolate.

• Duration: 2.5 hours
• Cost: Approximately €75
• Note: Wear comfortable walking shoes and read our Turin Chocolate Guide here to know the best chocolates to try doing and after the tour.
• Book your Turin Chocolate Tour here.

22 – Bike Tour in Turin

If you’re an active traveler who enjoys moving and shaking when visiting a new destination, then a bike tour is a great way to enjoy Turin on a sunny day.

Rent a bike and pedal your way through the historic streets, stopping at the attractions that tickle your fancy.

You can also book with a guide who will add golden nuggets of information about the city’s history, culture and lifestyle. By the end of the tour, you’ll find yourself thinking “Time flies when you’re having fun”.

• Cost: Approximately €32
• Take note: If cycling on a hot day, make sure you pack enough water and a hat is a good idea.
• Book your Turin bike tour here

23 – Tour Turin Wine Region

The Piedmont region is home to the world-famous Barolo wine, so if you have an extra day in Turin I suggest you visit the Barolo wine region. The tour will take you to enchanting rolling green hills, iconic Italian buildings, and world-class wine tastings.

Beyond the delicious food and wine tasting, the experience will give you insight into the centuries-old winemaking techniques of the region. 

You can drive to the Barolo region by yourself and book a visit to a local winery, if you plan to do this, read our guide to car rental in Turin . 

Another option is to book an organized tour, so you don’t need to worry about transportation, planning the route, booking visits and driving. Because who wants to drive after an Italian wine tasting?

• Duration: Full day
• Cost: Approximately €625
• Take note: The organized experience is not suitable for children under the age of 18
• Book your day trip to the Barolo wine region here

24 – Embark on a Magic Turin Tour

As an ancient city, Turin is clouded in mystery and stories. In fact, the city has a magical history that goes back in time. Expect to learn about ancient burial sites, the relationship between white and black magic, and the sinister architecture that remains present in the city today.

• Cost: Approximately €59
• Take note: This is a small group activity that is limited to 10 people
• The tour we did and loved: Magic Turin Tour – Black Magic and Dark Arts

25 – Combo – Turin Cinema Museum, Mole Antonelliana, and Bus Tour

Visiting the Turin Cinema Museum and the Mole Antoneliana building are must-do things in Turin, add them to a bus tour with a long list of sightseeing stops and you get a fun way to explore the city in a few hours or a day. 

The Torino hop-on hop-off bus visits most of the city’s famous attractions and it can be a good way to get around when you don’t want to walk. So think of it as a means of transportation that will take you to the best landmarks. 

• Duration: Valid for 24 hours or 48 hours
• Cost: Approximately €48
• Note: Skip-the-line admission is valid for different times depending on the option that you select
• Book the combo tour Mole Antonelliana & Cinema Museum + Bus Tour here.

26 – Dance at Kappa FuturFestival

This is my precious travel tip for those who love a good party, just like me! In July, summer, Turin became the Italian epicenter for electronic music. Kappa FuturFestival is a 3-day music festival with international DJs, Italian names, and a vibe that will be hard to find somewhere else. I love it!

It’s a big festival so it demands planning, from booking your tickets in advance to choosing the right accommodation for you and your party friends. Don’t worry, we take the Torino Kappa Festival so seriously that we wrote an article about it, read it here: Kappa FuturFestival Guide .

27 – Go ski near Turin

Are you visiting Turin between late November and early April? Then you can add skiing or snowboarding to your list of things to do here.

People often get surprised by this day trip suggestion because they don’t know you can go to the Alpes using public transportation directly from the Turin train station. How cool is that?

And no problem if you don’t have your ski gear with you. You can rent it all and have fun at the slopes. 

You can find all the information you need to plan this outdoor adventure on our Guide to the best Ski Resorts near Turin . Where to go, how to get to the mountains, and even where to sleep, in case you decide to spend a night there. 

• Duration: it can be done as a day trip from Turin
• Cost: it depends on where you are going and transportation
• Note: if you are using public transportation, then go to Bardonecchia which has a direct train from Turin. If you rent a car you can choose any ski resort near Turin. 

Turin Travel Tips – Essential

I know this guide of things to do in Turin was a big one, so I will try to be very practical in this travel tips section. 

I’ll drop all the important articles, guides, and things you need to know to plan your tip here. So you can click and read one at a time and choose what is more relevant to your trip.

Where to stay in Turin?

The city has many hotels, guesthouses and hostels. You can choose by location, your budget, or your travel style. 

If you are in Turin for only a few days, I suggest you stay close to the city center. But if you are staying more than 3 nights, then accommodation in the outskirts or residential neighborhoods can give you a more local feeling and it might be cheaper. 

We know choosing accommodation is a big deal, so here is our list of the best hotels in Turin for any budget and traveler , click, read, and choose yours.

How to get to Turin?

Turin is connected with the world with an international Airport – Torino Caselle Airport, by train regular and highspeed arriving at Porta Nuova or Porta Sussa stations, and by buses.

For the best flights to Turin, check out Skyscanner .

For trains, your best option is to search on Trenitalia , Italo , or the rail company of the European country you are in. 

For buses, I like to search on Bookaway . They compare buses and trains, you can read travelers’ reviews, and book in advance safely. 

Here is a complete guide on how to get to Turin (to be published), and if you are coming from Mila you must read this: best ways to travel from Milan to Turin .

That’s all! I hope you liked this guide to the best things to do in Turin, I wrote it with my heart because I truly love this city. And I’m sure that after your visit you will agree that Turin is one of the most beautiful Italian cities.

Plan your trip to Turin easily:

• Book your hotel in Turin here.
• Here are the best tours in Turin we choose for you.
• Save money on attractions and get your Turin City Card here.
• All the info about getting to Turin and around is here .
• Book your car rental here .
• Get your travel insurance with HeyMondo or SafetyWing .

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Move Over Milan—A Guide to Turin, Italy’s Most Elegant City

By Monica Mendal

While Milan has long been a hotspot for travelers venturing to northern Italy in search of fashion, design, and culture, Turin—Italy’s fourth largest city, located just 45-minutes from Milan by train—has somehow remained blithely under wraps. It doesn’t take long after arriving in the Piedmontese capital to discover its inimitable elegance. Baroque architecture resembling that of Paris or Vienna houses the myriad of historic museums and galleries, while slashes of snow-capped Alpine mountains are visible from the grand squares and cobbled streets, all bustling with old cafes and restaurants serving traditional Piedmontese dishes. Stay long enough and you’ll find that Turin’s unique blend of art, culture, and quality food runs in the city’s blood—and serves as a promising indication that a new era as a tourist hotspot is firmly on the horizon.

Below, a guide to Turin.

Where to Stay

Turin’s limited selection of upscale hotels is evidence of its relative lack of tourism, for while there is no shortage of places to stay, big hotel groups and buzzy new design hotels haven’t yet set their sights on the city. Grand Hotel Sitea and Royal Palace Hotel are the best high-end stays, and while they remain ripe for refurbishment, their central location and guarantee of five-star hospitality make them the ideal launchpad for luxury travelers. 

The most charming boutique hotel in Turin is the family-run Hotel Victoria Torino , situated on a cobblestone street in the heart of the city’s historic center. The Victorian-style rooms feature antique period furniture and beds outfitted in liberty print canopies. If you prefer sleek modern spaces, meanwhile, book a room at B&B Via Stampatori or Hotel Opera35 Suite and Studio , both optimally located in the city center. 

By Elise Taylor

By Emma Specter

For a more local experience, book a characterful Airbnb run by a superhost, like this tastefully minimalist architect’s house in the lively Vanchiglia district or this charming apartment with a balcony overlooking the Quadrilatero Romano district. In the same neighborhood, you’ll find this luxury historical apartment with exposed wood beams and chandeliers—the perfect base to enjoy a subtle taste of the city’s old-world decadence.

Where to Eat

Turin is a culinary capital in its own right, where lunch is an elegant event and meals come with the promise of quality Piedmontese traditions and plenty of the region’s local ingredients. The one thing to know about traditional Piedmontese meals? You better come with a big appetite. While other Italian regions might serve a light selection of antipasti, or appetizers, for the Piedmontese, antipasti are often the main event. Meals begin with an assortment of at least three to five plates, like vitello tonnato, one of the region’s most famous dishes, followed by a traditional assortment of hearty meat and pasta dishes, from agnolotti (meat ravioli), to risotto al barolo (braised beef risotto), to rice and pasta dishes with the famous tartufo d’Alba in the fall. 

If you want to indulge in traditional Piedmontese dishes while dining among locals in a casual atmosphere, visit Ristorante Da Mauro and Pastificio Defilippis for the best agnolotti and Ristorante Consorzio for the finanziera stew. Trattoria Bar Coco’s is another unassuming local favorite, where traditional fare like vitello tonnato and pasta e fagioli are the standouts. One of the most popular eateries in Turin is Scannabue, deemed Bib Gourmand on the Michelin guide for its high-quality ingredients and good value. Come for lunch, order anything and you’ll surely get your money’s worth. 

For a less traditional dining experience, head to Magazzino 52, a wine shop and restaurant, which serves innovative interpretations of traditional Piedmontese dishes. As it’s a small space and a relatively sceney spot for Turin, it’s best to book ahead. If you prefer a quick lunch, as opposed to a sit-down restaurant, visit beloved bakery Perino Vesco for pizza and focaccia or Pastificio Baretti di Ugazio Giovanni, a pasta shop, serving a wide variety of traditional Piedmontese pasta dishes, which you can select at the counter and eat on the spot. When you’re ready for dessert, you’re in luck; Piedmont is Italy's leader in chocolate production and Baratti & Milano is the oldest and best confectionery to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Museo Casa Mollino, Italian architect Carlo Mollino’s former apartment located on the first floor of Villa Avondo, regularly lures the fashion crowd from Milan to Turin for a day trip. The apartment features all of the original furnishings designed and chosen by the celebrated mid-century designer and has been arranged to illustrate its original setting, offering a comprehensive look into Mollino’s professional and creative vision. 

Stay in Turin a while longer and you’ll uncover the art and culture scene that brews beneath its surface. Historic museums set within ornate palazzos occupy much of the city, such as Palazzo Madama, Turin’s municipal museum of ancient art, and Palazzo Reale di Torino, a 16th-century palace built for the House of Savoy. The city’s rich historical landmarks also double as centers for the modern art community that’s beginning to flourish here. Pinacoteca Giovanni e Marella Agnelli is an art gallery housed on the top floor of the Lingotto building, formerly the Fiat factory, which was founded in 1899 by Giovanni Agnelli. Fiat’s historic test track, Pista 500 can be found on the roof of the building as an exhibition space for rotating artistic installations. Another ode to Turin’s rich automotive history is Museo Nazionale dell’Automobile, an automobile museum that hosts a rare collection of over 200 original cars of 80 brands from around the world. 

Other notable contemporary art spaces include Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, a non-profit contemporary art space founded by the titular art collector, and Castello di Rivoli, a contemporary art museum featuring works from the 1960s to present-day, and set in a 17th-century castle. Fondazione Merz is set in a former heating plant from the 1930s and features the collaborative work of husband-and-wife artist duo, Mario and Marisa Merz. Finally, if you have more time (and room in your stomach), take a day trip to Alba. One hour away by train, Piedmont’s culinary mecca—known for its white truffles—is also the capital of one of Italy’s leading wine regions. 

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• 5 Great Day Trips To...

Great Day Trips to Take From Turin

Turin is a great base to explore the Piedmont region of Northern Italy . Walking in the mountains, vineyard wine tastings and quaint lakeside villages, are all within reach in a day trip from the city.

Lake Orta has been hailed as ‘ The Italian lake tourists haven’t discovered yet ’ and is closer to Turin than Lake Maggiore or Como (one hour 40 minutes by car). It makes a wonderful trip in spring, summer and autumn: during the summer enjoy its many beaches and watersports, in autumn and spring take a boat trip to island San Giulio, or hike the parameter and admire the seasonal changes in the surrounding hills.

Sacra di San Michele

The ancient abbey Sacra di San Michele was built between 983 and 987 on the top of mount Pirchiriano. It is dedicated to the cult of the Archangel Michele, defender of the Christian people, and belongs to a pilgrimage route that runs all the way from Saint-Michel, France to Monte Sant’Angelo in Puglia, Southern Italy . This spiritual location has become a symbol of Piedmont and also inspired Umberto Eco ’s famous 1980 monastic murder mystery novel Il Nomme della Rosa ( The Name of the Rose ). The mountain climate often shrouds the building in mist or clouds, adding to the drama of an already beautiful and atmospheric site. Easily accessible by car and public transport.

Parco Nazionale Gran Paradiso, Aosta Valley

The upper echelons of Aosta Valley are known for skiing and too far for day trips from Turin , but the national park Gran Paradiso makes for great alpine walking. It has 450 miles of marked trails and mule tracks – check out the best route for you on the national park website here. Reachable by car in one hour 20 minutes.

Barolo vineyards, Langhe

Piedmont is home to the vineyards of many world-renowned wines, including Barolo that is produced in the Lange district, just a one hour 15 minute drive from Turin . A trip to Langhe promises stunning views of rolling, vineyard covered hills, quaint rural architecture and of course, enjoying great wine. Both large and small vineyards offer tours with wine tastings, and there will likely be the option to have lunch too. For a more intimate experience with the possibility of meeting the wine producer, opt for a smaller operation. A car is needed to reach the vineyards and visitors are required to make a booking in advance. Alternatively sign up with a wine tour company and they will take care of transport and reservations.

La Venaria Reale

This magnificent Baroque estate built in the 1600s for Duke Carlo Emanuele II of Savoy, is considered ‘ Turin ’s Versaille’. The royal palace extends over an area of 80,000 square metres and has extensive grounds and gardens, in which archaeological remains and 17th-century grottos are complemented by contemporary sculpture. The famous Hall of Diana designed by Amedeo di Castellamonte is a Baroque masterpiece fit for a Disney Princess. The estate also runs a lively events programme from concerts to educational workshops, so be sure to check out what is on offer before your visit. It is a 30 minute drive from Turin and just under one hour on the train.

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